What's eating my alternanthera reineckii 'mini'?

Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini' is a popular aquarium stem plant primarily threatened by snails that graze on its soft, colourful leaves, and by algae outbreaks that smother foliage. When grown emersed, aphids can attack tender new growth. Good water parameters and quarantine protocols keep this compact red plant healthy.

Pinhole damage and ragged leaf edges; young leaves consumed entirely by large snail populations Hand-remove snails; use snail traps or snail-eating fish (assassin snails, loaches); quarantine new plants before adding to the tank

Green coating or filaments covering leaves, blocking light and stunting growth Balance CO2, lighting (8 hrs max), and nutrients; increase surface agitation; manual removal and blackout periods if severe

Clusters on emersed stems; sticky honeydew and distorted, curled new leaves Spray with water to dislodge; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to emersed growth