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African Tiger Lotus
Nymphaea zenkeri
Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Nymphaeales›Nymphaeaceae
Variety of Red Tiger Lotus · green
📍 West Africa
Stunning lily with red-spotted leaves. Grows from a bulb and alternates between broad, flat pads and long petioles reaching the surface. Remove surface leaves to keep it compact.
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Compatible Livestock
Small, peaceful algae-eaters that won't damage plant leaves and help maintain tank cleanliness
Gentle snails that consume algae without harming plant tissue; beneficial for nutrient cycling
Small, peaceful schooling fish that won't uproot or damage the lily; add visual contrast
Excellent companion plant with similar low-light tolerance and slow growth rate; complements the lotus aesthetically
Hardy plant that thrives in similar conditions; provides additional cover and visual interest without competing aggressively
Peaceful dwarf cichlid that won't uproot plants; adds color and interesting behavior without aggression toward vegetation
Common Diseases
Leaf Rot
Yellowing, browning, or mushy leaves; deterioration starting from leaf edges; foul odor from affected tissue
Remove affected leaves immediately; improve water circulation with aeration; reduce water temperature slightly; ensure adequate nutrient levels; perform partial water changes to reduce organic buildup
Nutrient Deficiency
Pale or yellowing new leaves; stunted growth; loss of red coloration in spots; weak leaf structure
Dose liquid fertilizers containing macronutrients (NPK) and micronutrients (iron, boron); use nutrient-rich substrate; perform regular water changes; ensure adequate lighting to support photosynthesis
Algae Overgrowth on Leaves
Green or brown algae coating leaf surfaces; reduced light penetration; slowed plant growth
Gently brush algae from leaves with a soft brush; introduce algae-eating fish like Otocinclus; reduce light duration to 8-10 hours daily; improve water circulation; maintain moderate nutrient levels to avoid excess algae food
Bulb Rot
Soft, mushy bulb; foul smell from substrate; failure to produce new leaves; plant collapse
Remove plant and inspect bulb; trim away rotted portions with sterile tools; replant in fresh, well-draining substrate; reduce water temperature; improve water circulation; avoid burying bulb too deeply
Tips from the community 💡
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Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0–7.5
- hardness
- 3–12 dGH
- temperature
- 72–82°F (22–28°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.