Amazon Frogbit
Limnobium laevigatum
Also known as Frogbit, Frog Bit, South American Frogbit
Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Alismatales›Hydrocharitaceae
📍 South America
Amazon frogbit is a floating plant with round, slightly spongy leaves that provide excellent surface cover and diffuse lighting. Its dangling white roots absorb excess nutrients and provide refuge for fry and small shrimp. It grows rapidly in good light.
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by @Haven
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Tanks keeping this 🌿
Growing in 18 tanksCommunity tanks featuring Amazon Frogbit.
Compatible Livestock
Shrimp hide in dangling roots and benefit from the plant's shade; frogbit provides grazing surfaces for biofilm
Small, peaceful fish that shelter under frogbit canopy without damaging delicate leaves
Algae-eating fish that won't uproot or consume frogbit; benefits from shade provided by plant
Peaceful livebearers that appreciate surface cover; fry find excellent refuge in root system
Excellent companion plant that creates layered cover and shares similar low-nutrient tolerance
Foreground plant that complements frogbit's surface coverage; both thrive in moderate to high light
Common Diseases
Nutrient Deficiency
Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, pale coloration, leaf holes or necrosis
Dose liquid all-in-one fertilizer weekly; ensure adequate lighting to support photosynthesis; test water parameters and adjust macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) as needed
Algae Overgrowth on Leaves
Green or brown algae coating leaf surfaces, reduced light penetration, slowed growth
Increase water circulation, reduce photoperiod to 8-10 hours daily, manually remove affected leaves, introduce algae-eating fish like Otocinclus or add liquid algaecide if severe
Root Rot
Darkening or mushy roots, foul odor, leaf yellowing and wilting, plant sinking
Improve water circulation and aeration; perform partial water changes; remove severely affected plantlets; ensure roots are not buried in substrate; reduce organic buildup with regular maintenance
Iron Deficiency Chlorosis
Yellowing of new leaves while veins remain green, stunted growth, pale appearance
Dose liquid iron supplement (chelated iron) 1-2 times weekly; increase overall fertilization; ensure adequate lighting to support nutrient uptake
Tips from the community 💡
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Quick Facts
- co2
- Not required
- diet
- Nutrient absorption from water column
- light
- Medium to high
- tank size
- No minimum – floating
- growth rate
- Fast
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0–7.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <40 ppm
- hardness
- 1–15 dGH
- temperature
- 64–82°F (18–28°C)
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record for this species.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and locality and change over time — always confirm the current regulations with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping, or shipping this species.