Pest identification
What's eating my bolbitis heudelotii?
Black beard algae (BBA)
Signs: Dark tufts encrust frond edges and eventually kill affected tissue
Control: Spot-treat with hydrogen peroxide or glutaraldehyde; boost CO₂; clean filter regularly
Green spot algae
Signs: Hard green discs form on older fronds, difficult to remove without damage
Control: Raise phosphate level slightly; gently scrub with a soft toothbrush
Large herbivorous / digging fish
Signs: Cichlids and large goldfish uproot rhizomes or graze new growth
Control: Attach rhizome firmly to hardscape with thread; choose compatible fish species
Keep bolbitis heudelotii pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Bolbitis heudelotii pests — FAQ
What is eating my bolbitis heudelotii?
African water fern (Bolbitis heudelotii) is a slow-growing aquarium fern. Algae — especially black beard algae — colonises its tough dark fronds and is its primary threat. Some fish (particularly large cichlids) dig or bite at rhizomes. Poor water flow and high nutrients fuel algae; pristine, well-oxygenated soft water keeps this fern thriving.
How do I get rid of black beard algae (bba) on bolbitis heudelotii?
Dark tufts encrust frond edges and eventually kill affected tissue Spot-treat with hydrogen peroxide or glutaraldehyde; boost CO₂; clean filter regularly
How do I get rid of green spot algae on bolbitis heudelotii?
Hard green discs form on older fronds, difficult to remove without damage Raise phosphate level slightly; gently scrub with a soft toothbrush
How do I get rid of large herbivorous / digging fish on bolbitis heudelotii?
Cichlids and large goldfish uproot rhizomes or graze new growth Attach rhizome firmly to hardscape with thread; choose compatible fish species