Question
Hello,

I have just bought a new plant for my tank, but I'm not sure if this is really an aquatic plant. The store says it is an aquatic plant, but I feel it is more of a terrarium plant. Can you please identify this plant for me? Here's a picture of the plant: http://i36.tinypic.com/29wjudd.jpg .

Thank you in advance for your answer.

Best regards,
William

Answer
Hi William:  I am not sure what that plant is however, there are several types of aquatic plants.  True aquatic plants are semi-rare in the aquarium setting.  Emergent plants are plants that usually have their roots and most of the plant body submerged but may grow enough that part of the upper plant is out of the water... an example of an emergent plant would be a cattail or a reed.  Emergent plants are often seen along shore lines or in bogs... they are characterized by a stem that is fairly stiff because the stem would need to support the plant.  Submergent plants often have soft and flexible stems that would allow the plant to sway in the water.   The plant that you sent the picture of is probably an emergent plant and should do just fine in the aquarium.  It appears to have a stiff limb structure and the leaves are very fine and needle like... these kinds of leaves often require additional light so my guess would be that this is a plant that lives in shallow water or water that rises and falls based on the tide.  Since light diminishes as it passes through water this plant would need to be closer to the surface or in shallow water... unlike an Anubia plant which requires low light... and the Anubia has leaves that are very broad.  I hope this helps... if you have additional questions please let me know.... dave