Page 194 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

192 FRESHWATER PLANT DIRECTORY

FLOATING PLANTS

Floating plants are chosen less for their appearance
than those growing in the main body of the tank and
more for their function. They provide spawning sites
and food for many fish species and also give cover
and help to diffuse harsh aquarium lighting.
Floating plants vary widely in both size
and leaf shape, and some grow on
land as well as in water. Currents
in the tank have a marked effect
on the distribution of floating
plants, so you may have to adjust the
filter outlet to achieve an even spread.
The choice of aquatic plants may be affected by
legislation depending on where you live, because of fears
that some could become invasive if introduced to native
waterways. Fairy Moss (Azolla filiculoides) is shown here.

Pistia stratiotes Azolla cristata Limnobium laevigatum
Water Lettuce Carolina Fairy Moss Amazon Frogbit

ORIGINS Abundant in waterways in tropical and ORIGINS From the US to South America; introduced to ORIGINS From Mexico through Central America to
subtropical parts of the world. Europe in the 1870s, and now found wild in some areas. Paraguay in South America.
SIZE Leaves can be up to 4 in (10 cm) in length. SIZE Leaves each measure about ⁄2 in (1.5 cm). SIZE Leaf diameter is 1–2 in (2.5–5 cm).
1
WATER Temperature 72–86°F (22–30°C); soft WATER Temperature 68–86°F (20–30°C); hard WATER Temperature 68–86°F (20–30°C); soft
(50–100 mg/l) and around neutral (pH 6.5–7.5). (100–150 mg/l) and around neutral (pH 6.5–7.5). (50–100 mg/l) and around neutral (pH 6.5–7.5).
PROPAGATION Break off the plantlets that develop on PROPAGATION Reproduces asexually, so simply divide PROPAGATION Split up existing plants; the divisions
the stemlike stolons. an existing clump. will grow rapidly.
The leaf clusters of this floating plant are Leaves can form The rosette-shaped leaves of Amazon Frogbit are
lettucelike in appearance. The tiny flowers emerge a dense surface paler underneath and sometimes display dark
in the axils, between the leaf and stalk, while the covering markings on top. They are able to float thanks to
trailing roots—which extend down to a depth of their spongy, air-filled structure, which gives them
12 in (30 cm)—may be used as spawning sites by a slightly swollen, convex appearance. Aquarium
some egg-laying fish. Good lighting is vital for the strains are female, and although they flower quite
successful spread of the plant, which grows fast readily, there is no likelihood that they will set seed
under favorable conditions. Prevent condensation in the absence of the male flower’s pollen.
from dripping on to the leaves
because the plant will rot.
Fairy Moss can appear bright red under intense
lighting, but more usually it will be bright green,
as seen above. This plant will soon spread over the
surface of an aquarium and is a useful supplement
to the diet of vegetarian fish. It also provides a
support for the nests of bubble-nesting species,
such as gouramis, and serves as a retreat for fry,
which may find food among its trailing roots.

US_192-193_Floating_Plants.indd 192 29/08/18 4:10 PM