Salvinia
Salvinia minima
Also known as Salvinia Minima, Water Spangles, Floating Fern, Small Salvinia
Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Salviniales›Salviniaceae
📍 South America (widely spread)
Salvinia is a fast-growing floating fern that creates dense surface cover. Its tiny textured leaves repel water, forming a green carpet on the surface. Excellent for nutrient export and providing shade for light-sensitive plants and fish below.
Community Photos
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by @ZeeBird
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Tanks keeping this 🌿
Growing in 12 tanksCommunity tanks featuring Salvinia.
Compatible Livestock
Small algae-eating fish that won't damage floating plants and benefit from shade provided by Salvinia mats
Peaceful schooling fish that thrive under the shade and cover created by dense Salvinia growth
Shrimp appreciate the plant cover and won't damage Salvinia; they help control algae on plant surfaces
Peaceful fish that benefit from surface cover; may occasionally nibble plants but generally compatible
Excellent algae control and won't damage Salvinia; thrive in shaded environments created by floating plants
Excellent companion plant; slow-growing Anubias contrasts with fast-growing Salvinia for balanced aquascaping
Common Diseases
Nutrient Deficiency
Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, pale coloration, reduced vigor despite adequate light
Add comprehensive liquid fertilizer containing macronutrients and micronutrients; increase water change frequency to boost nutrient availability; ensure adequate fish bioload
Algae Overgrowth on Leaves
Green or brown algae coating plant surfaces, reduced light penetration through leaves, plant appears dull
Introduce algae-eating fish (Otocinclus, Siamese Algae Eater) or shrimp (Amano, Red Cherry); gently brush affected leaves; reduce light duration if excessive; improve water circulation
Decay and Rot
Mushy or disintegrating leaves, foul odor, rapid plant deterioration, brown discoloration
Remove affected portions immediately; improve water circulation and aeration; reduce tank temperature if elevated; perform partial water changes; ensure adequate light to promote photosynthesis
Excessive Growth/Overgrowth
Plant rapidly covers entire water surface, blocks light to lower tank, becomes difficult to manage
Trim regularly and remove excess growth; reduce fertilizer dosing; decrease light duration; ensure adequate nutrient balance to prevent explosive growth
Tips from the community 💡
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Quick Facts
- co2
- Not required
- diet
- Water column nutrient uptake
- light
- Low to high
- tank size
- No minimum – floating
- growth rate
- Very fast
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0–7.8
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <40 ppm
- hardness
- 1–20 dGH
- temperature
- 64–86°F (18–30°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.