What's eating my cryptocoryne pontederiifolia?

Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia is a mid-sized aquarium Crypt with broad, heart-shaped leaves that are attractive to snails and algae alike. Crypt rot remains the overriding risk when water conditions fluctuate. Keeping this species emersed in a paludarium reduces rot risk but opens it to fungus gnats attacking the substrate.

Large holes chewed in the broad leaves; snails breed rapidly in nutrient-rich substrates Introduce assassin snails; reduce overfeeding in the tank to limit snail food supply

Film or hard spots on the wide leaf surface reduce photosynthesis and appearance Nerite snails graze green spot algae well; ensure adequate CO2 and balance light to 8 hours

Sudden total leaf loss after water change, transport, or parameter shift Avoid unnecessary disturbance; stabilise temperature and pH; rhizome will re-sprout if kept in substrate

Larvae chew fine roots in moist substrate, causing wilting of emersed leaves Allow substrate surface to dry slightly between mistings; apply Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) drench