Pest identification
What's eating my ceratopteris cornuta?
Herbivorous fish (goldfish, cichlids)
Signs: Fish consume fronds rapidly, stripping the plant to bare stems
Control: Use only plant-compatible fish species; provide ample alternative food
Pest snails (Ramshorn, Bladder)
Signs: Snails graze holes in young fronds and damage developing plantlets
Control: Manual removal; assassin snails; dip new plants in alum solution before introduction
Green hair algae
Signs: Algae mats entangle floating fronds, blocking light to newer growth
Control: Reduce photoperiod; add Amano shrimp; remove algae clumps by hand weekly
Keep ceratopteris cornuta pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Ceratopteris cornuta pests — FAQ
What is eating my ceratopteris cornuta?
Floating fern (Ceratopteris cornuta) is an aquatic fern grown floating or rooted in aquariums and tropical ponds. Like its relative C. thalictroides, its soft fronds are highly attractive to herbivorous fish and snails. Algae can overgrow plantlets under high light. Fish grazing destroys fronds quickly and is the most commonly reported problem.
How do I get rid of herbivorous fish (goldfish, cichlids) on ceratopteris cornuta?
Fish consume fronds rapidly, stripping the plant to bare stems Use only plant-compatible fish species; provide ample alternative food
How do I get rid of pest snails (ramshorn, bladder) on ceratopteris cornuta?
Snails graze holes in young fronds and damage developing plantlets Manual removal; assassin snails; dip new plants in alum solution before introduction
How do I get rid of green hair algae on ceratopteris cornuta?
Algae mats entangle floating fronds, blocking light to newer growth Reduce photoperiod; add Amano shrimp; remove algae clumps by hand weekly