We report on the growth behavior and surface feature of quasi-one-dimensional anisotropic antiferromagnet BaCo2V2O8 crystal grown from its stoichiometrical melt in air by spontaneous nucleation method. The grown crystals are found to have a characteristic morphology with clear facets, growth lines and veins. Clear steps on the crystal surface show layer-by-layer growth process from a nucleus at the center. Also large defect (vacancies) are clearly seen on the step edges. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.