What's eating my aponogeton crispus?

Aponogeton crispus, a popular aquarium plant, is most commonly damaged by snails that rasp holes in its broad, ruffled leaves. Goldfish and other herbivorous fish will also graze on the foliage. Algae smothering and aphids at the waterline are secondary concerns. Good tank balance and fish selection are the primary defenses.

Irregular holes or ragged edges eaten into the thin, crinkled leaves Remove snails by hand; add snail-eating fish (assassin snails); avoid introducing snails on new plant purchases by quarantining

Leaves nibbled down to stubs or uprooted corms Choose fish tankmates carefully; keep plants with fish that are not herbivorous; provide adequate fish feeding to reduce plant grazing

Green coating smothers leaves, blocking light and stunting growth Reduce photoperiod to 8–10 hours; dose liquid fertiliser to out-compete algae; add algae-eating snails or otocinclus catfish