What's eating my hygrophila difformis?

Hygrophila difformis (water wisteria) produces delicate, finely pinnate leaves that are highly attractive to herbivorous fish and snails — the lacey texture is more vulnerable than broad-leaved species. Shrimp-safe tanks can host amano shrimp to control algae without harming the plant. Snails and grazing fish are the leading threats.

Fine leaf segments consumed, leaving bare stems; heavy grazing destroys the ornamental form Regular manual removal; assassin snails; avoid species like trumpet snails that breed prolifically in planted tanks

Entire pinnate leaf structures eaten; stems left bare within hours in heavily stocked tanks House only with small, plant-safe species such as tetras, corydoras, and small livebearers

Algae threads entangle and mat the delicate leaf segments, restricting growth Reduce photoperiod; add Amano shrimp or otocinclus; improve CO2