Mosquito Fern

Azolla pinnata

📍 Tropical Asia and Africa

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.

Tank Mates

Amano Shrimp

Peaceful algae eater that will not damage delicate fronds

excellent

Red Cherry Shrimp

Small, non-destructive shrimp that benefits from plant cover

excellent

Neon Tetra

Peaceful schooling fish that appreciates shade from floating plants

good

Otocinclus

Gentle algae eater that will not uproot or damage floating fern

excellent

Dwarf Gourami

Peaceful community fish that appreciates plant cover for security

good

Common Diseases

Frond Melt

Symptoms

Fronds turn translucent, mushy, or dissolve; plant deteriorates rapidly

Treatment

Improve water circulation, reduce excess nutrients, ensure adequate light, perform partial water changes

Iron Deficiency

Symptoms

New fronds appear pale or yellowish while veins remain green; stunted growth

Treatment

Add liquid iron fertilizer or all-in-one fertilizer; increase lighting to boost nutrient uptake

Algae Overgrowth

Symptoms

Green or brown algae coating fronds and mat; reduced light penetration

Treatment

Reduce lighting duration, increase water changes, add algae-eating shrimp or fish, manually remove affected portions

Nutrient Deficiency

Symptoms

Stunted growth, yellowing fronds, poor coloration despite adequate light

Treatment

Add comprehensive aquarium fertilizer, increase water change frequency, ensure adequate macro and micronutrients

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Quick Facts

co2: not required
lighting: medium
placement: floating
substrate: Floating plant; does not require substrate. Absorbs nutrients directly from water column.
growth rate: fast