The 10+ Iconic and Famous Bucephalandra (with PHOTOS!)

Explore the top 10+ iconic Bucephalandra with the support of Aquarzon's photography work. The species covered include Brownie Ghost, Pandora Queen, Hellfire, Helena 2013, Brownie Phantom Mini, Catherinae, Theia and others.

Bucephalandra, often referred to as "Buce" by aquarium enthusiasts, are exquisite aquatic plants native to Borneo. Renowned for their vibrant colours, intricate patterns, and ease of care, these plants have garnered a dedicated following among aquarists worldwide. Among the myriad of Bucephalandra varieties available, several have achieved iconic status within the hobby. Let's explore some of these standout specimens:

1) Bucephalandra Brownie Ghost 2011/2012

The Bucephalandra Brownie Ghost, discovered and introduced in 2011/2012, captivates with its narrow, dark purplish/bluish leaves. This variety adds an eerie yet enchanting touch to any aquascape, with its distinctive coloration standing out against greenery and hardscape. Its slender leaves and subdued hues make it a versatile choice for both foreground and midground placement in aquariums. This species is considered among the top 3 iconic Buce varieties. It is believed to be extinct in the wild. Therefore, this species should be continuously grown by hobbyists to ensure the continuity of this species.

2) Bucephalandra Pandora Queen

The Bucephalandra Pandora Queen comes in several captivating variants, each with its own unique charm. The original rounded Pandora Queen is observed by Aquarzon possessing bluish, dark, rounded leaves. Variants such as the Wavy Heart and longer leaf variant offer intriguing deviations, appealing to aquarists seeking diversity in their plant collections. Regardless of the variant, the Pandora Queen remains a staple choice for aquascapers aiming to introduce elegance and grace into their underwater realms. 

3) Bucephalandra Hellfire

True to its name, the Bucephalandra Hellfire ignites aquariums with its fiery red hues. This striking variety commands attention with its intense coloration, making it a focal point in any aquascape. The vibrant leaves of the Hellfire contrast beautifully against greenery, rocks, and driftwood, creating a visually stunning display reminiscent of flickering flames dancing underwater.

4) Bucephalandra Helena 2013

Bucephalandra Helena 2013 distinguishes itself with its rounded, dark-colored leaves. This variety exudes a sense of depth and richness, adding a touch of sophistication to aquarium layouts. Its compact growth habit and bold foliage make it an excellent choice for aquascapers looking to create visually impactful arrangements with a touch of elegance.

5) Bucephalandra Black Pink Cecep Will 2011

The Bucephalandra Black Pink Cecep Will, unveiled in 2011, showcases a mesmerizing blend of black and pink hues. The pink is observed by Aquarzon as being at the underside of their leaves. This beautiful color combination makes it a sought-after addition to planted aquariums. In Aquarzon's observations, this combination is not totally unique as there are a few other species with similar combination such as Bucephalandra Pink Lady and Red Under. Its delicate yet vibrant appearance lends a sense of whimsy and intrigue to aquascapes, captivating viewers with its striking beauty.

6) Bucephalandra Brownie Phantom Mini

The Bucephalandra Brownie Phantom Mini is a diminutive yet striking variety that packs a punch with its rich brown hues and intricate patterns. Despite its small stature, this Bucephalandra commands attention with its intense coloration and intricate leaf texture. Ideal for nano aquariums or as a foreground accent in larger setups, the Brownie Phantom Mini adds depth and visual interest to aquatic landscapes.

Aquarzon observes this species as having dark, slightly narrow leaves of miniature to very small size.

7) Bucephalandra Mini Catherinae

The Bucephalandra Mini Catherinae charms aquarists with its compact growth habit and vibrant green leaves. This miniature variety is prized for its delicate appearance and ease of care, making it a popular choice for aquarists of all skill levels. Whether used as a foreground accent or nestled among rocks and driftwood, the Mini Catherinae adds a touch of freshness and vitality to any aquascape.

8) Bucephalandra Catherinae

Lauded for its distinctive lanceolate leaves and vibrant coloration, the Bucephalandra Catherinae is a standout variety in the Bucephalandra genus. With its elongated leaves and striking green hues, this variety brings a sense of movement and energy to aquarium layouts. Whether used as a midground focal point or as a background accent, the Catherinae infuses aquascapes with a sense of vitality and dynamism.

9) Bucephalandra Rosemary

The Bucephalandra Rosemary captivates with its delicate pinkish hues and intricate leaf shape. This enchanting variety adds a touch of softness and femininity to aquascapes, creating a serene and ethereal atmosphere. Whether placed alongside vibrant greenery or against a backdrop of dark rocks, the Rosemary stands out as a symbol of beauty and grace in the underwater realm.

10) Bucephalandra Mini Coin

Small yet impactful, the Bucephalandra Mini Coin features round, coin-shaped leaves that add a playful touch to aquarium layouts. This charming variety is prized for its compact size and ease of maintenance, making it an excellent choice for nano tanks and intricate aquascapes. Whether used as a focal point or as a ground cover, the Mini Coin lends a sense of whimsy and charm to aquatic landscapes.

11) Bucephalandra Theia

The Bucephalandra Theia dazzles with its diverse range of variants, each offering its own unique coloration and appeal. Variants such as Red Theia and Blue Theia captivate with their intense hues, adding a bold splash of color to aquariums. Whether you prefer the fiery intensity of red or the cool tranquility of blue, Theia variants offer aquarists a wealth of options to customize their underwater worlds and express their individual style.

The Bucephalandra genus continues to captivate aquarists with its diverse array of iconic and famous varieties, each with its own allure and distinct characteristics. Whether you're drawn to the mysterious allure of the Brownie Ghost, the elegance of the Pandora Queen, the fiery intensity of Hellfire, the sophistication of Helena, or the enchanting colors of Black Pink Cecep Will, there's a Bucephalandra variety to suit every aquascape aesthetic. These iconic and famous Bucephalandra exemplify the unparalleled beauty and charm of aquatic plants, enriching aquariums with their presence and inspiring aquarists around the globe.

From the striking coloration of the Hellfire to the delicate beauty of the Rosemary, each Bucephalandra variety brings its own unique charm and appeal to aquarium layouts. As these beloved plants continue to gain popularity among aquarists worldwide, their timeless beauty and enduring allure ensure that they will remain cherished fixtures in aquatic hobbyist circles for years to come.

All photos here are photographed by Aquarzon of our actual Bucephalandra stock. Aquarzon has taken more than 15,000+ aquarium plant photos to date of which a large portion is on the different unique varieties of Bucephalandra. Our work is shared to thousand of our customers in Australia in hope that more people can enjoy and appreciate the beauty of Bucephalandra, which is one of nature's gift to us.