| Floating water plants are commonly used in | | | | water. This plant has tiny strands mat together which |
| aquariums. Besides adding to the beauty of the | | | | forms a solid mass. Riccia fluitans provides benefit for |
| aquarium by giving it a "pond" look, these plants | | | | bubble-nesters as they use it as a point of |
| provide benefits for the fishes as well. For example, | | | | attachment for their nests. This aquarium plant is also |
| one of the common benefits is that floating water | | | | often used as spawning sites. It grows well in bright |
| plants provides spawning sites for fishes. Also, for | | | | lighting and receives plenty of carbon dioxide. |
| aquariums that require low lighting, floating plants help | | | | Amazon frogbit (Limnobium laevigatum) |
| to block the light coming from above the aquarium. In | | | | Limnobium laevigatum is beautiful floating water plant |
| this way, it helps the inhabitants of the aquarium to | | | | with waxy leaves. This plant can produce shoots that |
| survive well. Some common floating water plants | | | | will form a small plant at the end. If this end breaks |
| used in aquariums are described below. | | | | off, it will form a new plant by itself. This floating |
| Duckweed (Lemna minor) | | | | water plant is a tropical species and if placed in a fish |
| Duckweed has oval green leaves and it grows very | | | | tank, it survives well with moderate lighting. |
| fast. As the leaves of this plant spread widely, this | | | | Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) |
| aquarium plant can help to block light rays shining on | | | | Pistia stratiotes has soft, large leaves which are light |
| to the water. Too much light can heat up the water | | | | green in colour. The leaves have a velvety texture |
| in the fish tank causing harm to the fishes. Also, high | | | | and they grouped together to form a beautiful |
| exposure of light can cause the growth of harmful | | | | rosette. Pistia stratiotes has fine trailing roots which |
| algae. The leaves of Duckweed provide shelter as | | | | grow below the surface of the water. Having this |
| well as spawning sites for the fishes. Some fishes like | | | | plant in the aquarium benefits the fishes as it |
| to feed on this plant and it provides good nutrition | | | | provides plenty of hiding places for them. |
| due to its high content of vitamins and minerals. | | | | The above are some common floating water plants |
| Duckweed takes in ammonia and hence, helps to | | | | you can consider using in your aquarium. Besides using |
| reduce its content in the water. This plant only | | | | these plants to enhance your aquarium décor, |
| requires moderate lighting. However, as this floating | | | | having them in your aquarium has benefits for your |
| water plant is fast-growing, it requires pruning to | | | | fishes as well. Fortunately, these plants are not |
| keep it in shape. | | | | difficult to keep as they thrive well in most |
| Crystalwort (Riccia fluitans) | | | | conditions. Please visit Live Aquarium Plants website |
| Riccia fluitans is a popular floating water plant used in | | | | for more information. |
| aquariums. It grows just below the surface of the | | | | |