Pest identification
What's eating my microsorum pteropus 'trident'?
Black beard algae (Audouinella sp.)
Signs: Dark bristly tufts on the tips of the trident lobes, reducing their visual appeal
Control: Spot-dose Excel/glutaraldehyde; increase CO2; introduce Siamese algae eaters or Florida flag fish
Green spot algae
Signs: Hard green spots on leaf surfaces in well-lit tanks
Control: Reduce photoperiod; balance phosphate levels; deploy nerite snails
Aquarium snails
Signs: Sporadic minor grazing on declining fronds
Control: Hand-remove; use assassin snails for persistent populations
Keep microsorum pteropus 'trident' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats green wave fern — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Common microsorum pteropus 'trident' problems & fixes
- Microsorum pteropus 'Trident' watering schedule
- Microsorum pteropus 'Trident' light requirements
- Full microsorum pteropus 'trident' care guide
Microsorum pteropus 'Trident' pests — FAQ
What is eating my microsorum pteropus 'trident'?
Java fern 'Trident' has the same tough, bitter chemistry that deters most aquarium grazers, so pest pressure is low. Black beard algae is the chief nuisance, preferring the finger-like leaf projections in areas of turbulent or stagnant flow. Green spot algae follows in high-light setups with low phosphate.
How do I get rid of black beard algae (audouinella sp.) on microsorum pteropus 'trident'?
Dark bristly tufts on the tips of the trident lobes, reducing their visual appeal Spot-dose Excel/glutaraldehyde; increase CO2; introduce Siamese algae eaters or Florida flag fish
How do I get rid of green spot algae on microsorum pteropus 'trident'?
Hard green spots on leaf surfaces in well-lit tanks Reduce photoperiod; balance phosphate levels; deploy nerite snails
How do I get rid of aquarium snails on microsorum pteropus 'trident'?
Sporadic minor grazing on declining fronds Hand-remove; use assassin snails for persistent populations