Bucephalandra Black Achilles: the most expressive representative of its genus

If you enjoy unique aquatic plants or are an enthusiast of aquascaping, you’ve undoubtedly heard of Bucephalandra. The Bucephalandra Black Achilles is one of the genus’s many fascinating species, and it truly steals the show. This plant is a wonderfully dramatic addition to any setup, adding a touch of sophistication and elegance. It’s not just another green addition to your aquarium.

The Black Achilles is well-known for having a striking, almost enigmatic appearance due to its rich, dark coloring. Its leaves contrast sharply, drawing the eye with their deep shade of black with hints of green. Its color variation makes it a favorite among aquarium enthusiasts looking for something a little different. It makes an excellent centerpiece or a standout accent in any tank.

The Black Achilles is unique not only because of how it looks but also because of how versatile it is. Because it can grow in a range of environments, this plant is a great option for aquarists of all skill levels. The Black Achilles is a dependable and lovely option that improves the overall aesthetic of your aquatic environment, whether you’re setting up a low-tech tank or something more sophisticated.

Bucephalandra Black Achilles is a plant that combines resilience and beauty, so it might be the ideal choice if you want to add some flare to your aquarium. It is a remarkable addition that will astonish and motivate everyone it encounters due to its striking appearance and effortless upkeep.

Because of its striking look and distinctive features, Bucephalandra Black Achilles stands out as a truly remarkable species within its genus. For those who enjoy aquascaping, its unique leaf patterns and rich, dark coloring make it an enticing option. This plant is a versatile and expressive addition to aquatic environments, not only adding dramatic flair to any aquarium setup but also thriving in a variety of conditions.

Description of the plant

Any herbalist’s main decoration is always a rare form of a plant. Particularly when it comes to a unique beauty from the Borneo island. Black Achilles goes by a few names, including:

    scientific – Bucephalandra kishii;
    commercial – Achilles, Black Skeleton.

A different leaf color distinguishes the Green Skeleton variety from the other one.

The plant bears Hiroyuki Kishi’s name, a Japanese aquarist who was the first to recognize the distinctive ribbed structure of the leaf blade.

There are over 3,000 species in the Araceae family, which includes this slowly expanding marsh culture. Callas are highly fragrant and attractive plants, and fetid amorphophallus is one of its representatives.

Anubias and cryptocorynes are more common to aquarium enthusiasts. Between them, bucephalandras occupy a middle position. In the twenty-first century, they made their appearance in home aquariums and quickly rose to the top of the list of the most well-liked aquarium plants.

Plant morphology

The vibrant color of the leaves and the striking pattern of the lateral veins are two distinctive characteristics of this variety.

  • Family – Araceae.
  • Leaves – large, corrugated with clearly defined veins. Similar in pattern to sp. Marie, but unlike them, it protrudes on the upper part of the leaf blade, and not on the lower.
  • Rhizome – well developed, fixed in the soil or on stones with the help of a rhizome.
  • Flowering – underwater. On a small, up to 8 cm peduncle, the plant produces miniature flowers resembling calla inflorescences, up to 2 cm in size. Color – pink.

If a collector so chooses, he can cross the black and green forms of Kishi to create his own herbalist. A jumbled offspring with significant color variability will be the outcome.

Spread

The Gunung Saran region, situated in Borneo’s western region, serves as the habitat. Bucephalandras are not found growing in other parts of this island, in contrast to Anubias and Cryptocorynes.

They favor the banks of tropical forests’ streams and rivers.

After spending roughly six months above water, the plants submerge themselves for a further six months.

2009 saw the arrival of the first Bucephalandra specimens in Russian territory. and gained popularity thanks to the work of gifted hydrobotanists S. Bodyagina and D. Loginov.

Growing and care

The Black Achilles is a species that is not very arrogant. retains outstanding ornamental qualities in both submerged and above-water environments. However, the first example shows low rates of growth—no more than one new leaf per month.

  • Rhizomes do not need rooting.
  • Plants are well fixed on stones and snags. Under natural conditions, a rooted specimen is difficult to separate without damaging the root system.
    With a sharp change in maintenance conditions, round holes of different sizes can form on the leaves. Moreover, both on young and old foliage. But this does not affect the vital activity of the plant.

Even though Black Achilles is a low-maintenance plant, it is still a good idea to invest in a high-tech herbalist that has CO2 supply, pH control, and LED lighting.

Optimal water parameters

Black Achilles and other Bucephalandra species react favorably to CO2 but are not uncomfortable in its absence.

    pH – from 6.5 to 7.5;
    temperature – from 22 to 24 ° C;
    total water hardness — 6° dGh.

They keep growing and developing flower stalks even when the pH falls to 5.0–5.5. However, under these circumstances, the leaves’ ornamental qualities are gone.

Lighting requirements

Although the plant can tolerate a variety of lighting conditions, LED 1 W./l. lights are the best for up to 8 hours per day.

Soil quality

Black Achilles is very forgiving of soil conditions. It is also advisable to set it on driftwood and stones. For this reason, you should consider the requirements of other plants when selecting soil for an aquarium.

ADA "Aqua Soil-Amazonia" soil is suitable for use. This nutrient substrate does not scratch glass surfaces, lessens the hardness of aquarium water, and enhances biological balance.

Need for feeding

Frequent feeding of the plant is not necessary. You must pay attention to how you look. It is advisable to raise the water’s nutrient concentration if growth slows down and the leaf blades’ color intensity drops.

Guidelines for fertilization:

  • When applying CO2, additional feeding is advisable.
  • If the number of plants in the aquarium is small, Bucephalandra has enough “fish” food. But upon reaching a certain mass, this may not be enough.
    Liquid fertilizers should be applied in the morning, since the absorption of nutrients is energy-consuming. Along with light, the plant receives the energy necessary to absorb the fertilizer.

Complexes Nos. 1, 2, and 3 from Aquayer and "Udo Ermolaev" are a good choice.

Features of reproduction

The vegetative method is the most widely available form of reproduction technology. However, it will take a long time to get a large enough number of plants in aquarium conditions.

  • The plant is ready for division when at least 4 leaves are formed on the new shoots.
  • The cut off fragment of the rhizome with roots does not need to be immediately fixed on a snag or stone. First, you should plant it in a small container with soil.
    In a greenhouse, this process can be accelerated. But there is a high probability of infectious pathologies, which natural specimens are susceptible to.

Propagating meristems at home is challenging.

Using seeds is the most promising method. There is very little chance of illness in this situation. This is a choice for experienced aquarium keepers. You must use a brush to apply the pollen to the female flowers after gathering it.

It is best to take off the cover first. In 1.5 years, several hundred adult specimens should be obtained if all goes according to plan. As a point of reference, the plant’s fruit, which ripens over two months, contains roughly 500 seeds.

Name variations

Black Achilles, Bucephalandra, goes by several names:

    scientific – Bucephalandra kishii
    commercial – Achilles, Black Skeleton.

The lack of a clear systematization and inadequate study of this genus are the causes of the confusion.

Aspect Description
Scientific Name Bucephalandra Black Achilles
Appearance Dark green to black leaves with a striking, glossy finish. The leaves have a unique, textured surface.
Size Generally grows to about 3-4 inches in height.
Growth Rate Slow-growing, making it ideal for small aquariums or tanks where space is limited.
Lighting Prefers moderate to low light; too much direct light can harm the plant.
Water Conditions Thrives in soft to moderately hard water; temperature range is 72-82°F (22-28°C).
Care Low maintenance; does well attached to rocks or driftwood. Regular water changes help maintain its health.
Tank Placement Best placed in the midground or background of the aquarium.
Compatibility Suitable for most fish and shrimp species; non-invasive and won’t harm tank mates.

The Bucephalandra Among the most striking members of its genus is Black Achilles. It is understandable why aquarists are so enamored with this plant given its distinctive appearance and deep, dark foliage. Its rich, black-green leaves are a favorite among people who want to add a striking, contrasting element to their underwater landscapes because they add a sense of drama and sophistication to any aquarium setup.

The adaptability of the Black Achilles is one of its main advantages. It is a fantastic option for novices and experienced aquarium enthusiasts alike because it grows well in a variety of environments. This plant can withstand varying lighting and water conditions in both low-tech and high-tech tanks, which adds versatility to its striking aesthetic appeal.

Apart from its attractive appearance, the Bucephalandra Black Achilles requires little maintenance. Because of its low maintenance requirements, you can enjoy its beauty without having to put in a lot of effort. This makes it the ideal addition for anyone who wants to add some elegance to their aquarium without having to be a green thumb.

All things considered, the Bucephalandra Black Achilles is more than just an attractive fish. For aquarium hobbyists, its eye-catching appearance and ease of maintenance make it a unique option. This plant will add a touch of refinement and charm to your underwater setting, whether you’re setting up a new tank or looking to upgrade an old one.

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Ivan Kononov

Experienced aquarist with an emphasis on breeding and keeping exotic aquarium fish. Author of many articles and books on the topic of aquarium keeping. Always in search of new species and interesting solutions for home aquariums. I believe that an aquarium is not only a home decoration, but also a means of studying nature and its laws.

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