Carolina mosquito fern
Azolla caroliniana
PlantFreshwater
Azolla caroliniana is a floating aquatic fern of the Azollaceae family. Its fronds are 0.5–1.5 cm long, with more rounded lobes than Azolla filiculoides. It forms dense mats on the water surface. Like other Azolla, it hosts nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria. Its growth is rapid under favorable conditions. It is often used as a shade plant in aquariums. Its color can turn red under intense light.
Recommended parameters
| Parameter | Recommended range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 15–30 |
| pH | 5–8 |
| GH | 0–10 |
| KH | 0–5 |
| NO₃ | ≤ 20 |
| PO₄ | ≤ 2 |
Care
Difficulty1/5
Dietphotosynthetic
Min. tank10 L
Min. group1
Adult size1.5 cm
Lifespan1 ans
Temperamentpeaceful
Care notes
Very easy to grow, Azolla caroliniana requires little maintenance. Moderate to strong light is recommended. Temperature between 15 and 30 °C, pH 5.0–8.0. No CO2 needed. Occasional fertilization can speed up growth. Avoid strong currents. Remove excess regularly to prevent smothering other plants. Compatible with shrimp and small fish.