How do I get rid of Duckweed once it is in my tank?

Complete eradication requires persistent manual removal. You must use a fine net to scoop out every single visible frond, repeating the process daily for a few weeks until none reappear. Increasing surface agitation can also help deter its growth.

Why is my Duckweed turning white or yellow?

This is typically a sign of nutrient deficiency, most commonly a lack of iron or nitrogen in the water column. It can also occur if the lighting is exceptionally poor or if the plant is being repeatedly submerged by strong filter flow.

Will Duckweed block light from my other plants?

Yes, Duckweed forms a dense, interlocking mat on the surface that can severely reduce the amount of light reaching the lower levels of the aquarium. It must be regularly thinned out if you keep light-demanding submerged plants.

Do fish eat Duckweed?

Many herbivorous and omnivorous fish love Duckweed. Goldfish, Silver Dollars, certain cichlids, and even some livebearers will eagerly graze on it, often to the point of completely clearing the tank.

Why does my Duckweed keep dying?

The most frequent cause of Duckweed dying is high surface flow. It is a true floating plant that despises having water splashed over the top of its leaves; constant submersion will cause it to rot.

FreshwaterPlantsBeginner

Duckweed

Lemna minor

Duckweed is an incredibly fast-growing, cosmopolitan floating plant that is prized for its ability to rapidly absorb excess nutrients and provide shade, though it can easily become invasive in the aquarium.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 10 – 30 °C
pH range: 5 – 9
Hardness: 0 – 30 dGH
Adult size: 0.2 – 0.5 cm
Min. volume: 5 litres+
Lifespan: 1 – 10 years
Diet: Photosynthesis and water column nutrient absorption
Water flow: Low

About the Duckweed

Common Duckweed (Lemna minor) is one of the most ubiquitous aquatic plants in both the wild and the home aquarium. Comprising tiny, oval-shaped fronds that float freely on the surface, it possesses a single, delicate root hanging beneath. Despite its simple structure, it is a powerhouse of water purification, eagerly soaking up nitrates, phosphates, and even heavy metals. Its prolific nature makes it a dual-edged sword; while it keeps water pristine, it can quickly blanket the surface, demanding regular maintenance.

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Where Duckweed comes from

Native range

North America, Europe, Asia, Africa

Countries / regions

United Kingdom, United States, China, Australia

Habitat

Still or slow-moving freshwater bodies, including ponds, lakes, marshes, and quiet streams.

Lemna minor has a nearly global, cosmopolitan distribution and is absent only from polar regions.

Similar species

Giant Duckweed
Spirodela polyrhiza
Salvinia
Salvinia minima
Amazon Frogbit
Limnobium laevigatum
Red Root Floater
Phyllanthus fluitans

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
Shrimp love to cling upside down to the duckweed roots, grazing on biofilm and microscopic organisms.
Great
Siamese Fighting Fish
Betta splendens
Bettas appreciate the shade duckweed provides, and it acts as an excellent anchor for their bubble nests.
Great
Pearl Gourami
Trichopodus leerii
Labyrinth fish thrive under floating cover and will actively use the plant material in their nest building.
Great
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Goldfish are ravenous herbivores that will quickly consume an entire colony of duckweed unless it is being intentionally fed to them.
Not recommended
Silver Dollar
Metynnis argenteus
Large herbivorous fish will completely eradicate the plant from the aquarium in a matter of days.
Not recommended

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