What's eating my rotala wallichii?

Rotala wallichii has very fine, needle-like leaves that trap debris and algae easily, especially under poor flow. Pest snails and shrimp occasionally graze it, and herbivorous fish will consume it. When grown emersed, aphids may cluster on soft tips. Good circulation and regular trimming help keep the delicate foliage clean and healthy.

Fine threads tangle in needle leaves and are nearly impossible to remove without damaging the plant Improve flow and CO2 stability, trim affected stems and discard, add Amano shrimp for grazing control

Rasping damage to delicate leaflets causes browning tips and partial defoliation Manual removal, assassin snail introduction, or a loach; avoid chemical molluscicides in planted tanks

Stems stripped bare; fine foliage is particularly attractive to plant-eating fish Keep with shrimp-safe nano species only; remove offending fish immediately if grazing is observed

Colonies on stem tips above waterline cause wilting and sticky residue Submerge the plant to drown aphids, or use diluted insecticidal soap on emersed portions; rinse before re-submerging