No photo yet
Sign in to add the first photo.
Mosquito Fern
Azolla pinnata
Also known as Feathered Mosquito Fern, Pinnate Mosquito Fern
Plantae›Tracheophyta›Polypodiopsida›Salviniales›Salviniaceae
Mosquito Fern is a small, floating aquatic fern with delicate, feathery fronds that form dense mats on the water surface. It displays distinctive reddish or brownish coloration under high light and nutrient-rich conditions. This fast-growing plant is excellent for shading and nutrient export, making it ideal for beginner aquarists.
Where it's from
Native to New Caledonia, New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and 1 more
Recorded as introduced in California, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana and 4 more places
At a glance
- CO₂
- not required
- Growth
- Fast
- Placement
- floating
- Temp
- 59–82°F
- 15–28°C
- pH
- 5.5-8.0
- GH
- 36–321 ppm
- 2–18 dGH
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Compatible livestock
See all 5Peaceful algae eater that will not damage delicate fronds
Small, non-destructive shrimp that benefits from plant cover
Peaceful schooling fish that appreciates shade from floating plants
Gentle algae eater that will not uproot or damage floating fern
Peaceful community fish that appreciates plant cover for security
Member photos
Photos are added when members log a tank with this species and upload a photo in their tank journal. Add your own tank to contribute.
No photos yet — add a tank with Mosquito Fern to be the first!
Sign in to vote.
Common diseases 4Frond Melt, Iron Deficiency, Algae Overgrowth, Nutrient Deficiency
Frond Melt
Fronds turn translucent, mushy, or dissolve; plant deteriorates rapidly
Improve water circulation, reduce excess nutrients, ensure adequate light, perform partial water changes
Iron Deficiency
New fronds appear pale or yellowish while veins remain green; stunted growth
Add liquid iron fertilizer or all-in-one fertilizer; increase lighting to boost nutrient uptake
Algae Overgrowth
Green or brown algae coating fronds and mat; reduced light penetration
Reduce lighting duration, increase water changes, add algae-eating shrimp or fish, manually remove affected portions
Nutrient Deficiency
Stunted growth, yellowing fronds, poor coloration despite adequate light
Add comprehensive aquarium fertilizer, increase water change frequency, ensure adequate macro and micronutrients
Legality
Federal noxious weed: illegal to import or move between states in the US.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.
The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it. Native range: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP) (CC BY 4.0).
At a glance
- CO₂
- not required
- Growth
- Fast
- Placement
- floating
- Temp
- 59–82°F15–28°C
- pH
- 5.5-8.0
- GH
- 36–321 ppm2–18 dGH
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Keepers’ experiences
Grow Mosquito Fern? Share how it's going.
Nobody has shared one yet. A few lines on how it has grown in your tank help the next keeper.