The Water Sprite family consists of one genus, Cera top teris, with C. thalicoides being the accepted species most commonly found in aquaria. Floating plants range from 2″ to well over 20″ in diameter. I recently entered a single mother in M.A. S.’s annual exhibition that occupied an entire 20 gallon aquarium, from comer to comer, from top to bottom. The leaves are greatly incised, especially in the emersed form, and are generally a translucent light green color. The delicate texture of the leaves makes them a favorite snack of snails, Silver Dollars and any other fish inclined to eat plant matter, so caution should be taken when mixing these fish with Water Sprite.

In nature, Water Sprite occurs in tropical areas of Asia and Central and South America, where they grow in shallow ponds or marshes. They prefer more acid water, with a pH of 6.5 or lower, however, I have had success growing domestic Water Sprite in a wide range of water conditions. Extremely hard alkaline water should be avoided though, as my best plants are grown in a 130 gallon Discus tank which has plenty of Crypts (which make water acid), and in which partial water changes are less frequent than in smaller tanks.

Propagation is no problem with this plant. Soon after introducing it into the aquarium, small plantlets will begin forming along the edges of each leaf. Later, these will separate and become new I mother plants. ” Should a leaf be broken off in transporting or rearranging your Water Sprite, leave the broken piece floating at the surface, and several new plants will form on this one piece. By keeping a tight lid on the tank to retain humidity at the surface, and letting the water level drop to create a 2″ to 3″ spaceat the surface, emersed leaves can be grown. These are heavily incised and in extreme cases, resemble clumps of pine needles. I have had emersed leaves grow up to 6″ above the tank through a space left open in the rear of the aquarium, Water Sprite is an excellent plant to use in spawning gouramis and Bettas as its large, heavily incised leaves are perfect for holding bubblenests together. Its thick tangle of roots provide hiding places for young fry, as well.

In addition to being one of the more attractive floating plants, Water Sprite can also be grown completely submersed, much like an Amazon Sword, and makes a beautiful centerpiece or background plant. The leaves become less incised and grow straight upwards, rather than spreading out across the surface. Also, when transferring Water
Sprite from the floating to planted form, much stronger light is required for a healthy plant. This may include some supplemental incandescent light. Regular 60-100 watt house bulbs work ine. Under optimal conditions mature plants will grow to the surface of even the largest tanks.

Ceratophyllum species are distributed throughout the world, often in slightly brackish environments. This plant never develops true roots. Instead, it grows at the surface in long strands. Breaking the main strand encourages branching. Homwort can be grown much like a bunch plant by pushing strands into the gravel. From there the ends will grow up toward the surface.

Under good lighting the whorls (groups of leaves) stay close together on the strand. Poor lighting causes homwort to become very sparce and spindly. African cichlids, goldfish and other vegetarian fish love to nibble on the delicate fan-shaped leaves. Like most floating plants, it grows readily under normal aquarium conditions, as long as extremes are avoided. Again, this is an excellent plant providing hiding places for fry.

Anyone who has dabbled in the growing of live aquatic plants is surely familiar with duckweed. Probably all too familiar! Duckweed grows as a small four lobed star-shaped plant with a single hair-like root. A small handful will quickly multiply to cover the surface of any standard size aquarium. Without question, this is the easiest to grow of all aquatic plants. All it requires is water and a moderate amount of light.

Duckweed reproduces by physically dividing. This is known as vegetative propagation. Rataj and Horeman (1977) report nine species of Lemna, as duckweed is scientifically known, plus, several other genera. It occurs in nature in pools, ponds and any other body of standing water, in almost every tropical to temperate part of the world. Although it is considered a pest in many situations, duckweed does serve several purposes. First, it provides refuge for the fry of livebearers, anabantids and other surface- oriented fish. Second, it provides shade area where the light is excessively bright. Last, it serves as an excellent treat for vegetarian fish such as goldfish, Silver Dollars, African cichlids, large barbs, and many others.

I have actually dried duckweed out on a tray and mixed it in with my flake food. My fish never noticed the difference and ate both flake and duckweed hungrily. There should never be a need to purchase this plant. Just find a friend who has some; I’m sure he or she will be more than happy to thin out their crop for you.