Carolina Mosquitofern, lat. Azolla caroliniana- Azolla caroliniana distribution
Family: Azollaceae;
Genus: Azolla;
Species and synonyms: Carolina Mosquitofern (Azolla caroliniana, Carolina Mosquitofern, Eastern Mosquito Fern, Azolla mexicana).
GBIF:
Carolina Mosquitofern (lat. Azolla caroliniana) is a species of floating fern from the family Azollaceae. A miniature plant with a unique ability to absorb nitrogen from the air, popular in the aquarium hobby.
Distribution. The natural range of Carolina Mosquitofern covers North and South America: from Canada and the USA to Argentina. The plant is found in stagnant and slow-flowing waters — lakes, ponds, swamps, canals and rice paddies.
Care requirements. Carolina Mosquitofern is a very undemanding floating plant. Optimal water parameters: temperature 18–28°C, pH 6.0–8.0, hardness 2–15 dGH. Prefers bright lighting but can also grow in moderate light. CO2 injection is not required. The plant grows rapidly, covering the water surface with a continuous carpet.
Planting and care. Carolina Mosquitofern floats on the water surface and does not require planting in the substrate. Under favorable conditions, it forms a dense green carpet that can completely cover the aquarium surface. It is recommended to regularly thin out the plant by removing excess to ensure light reaches the lower layers and allow gas exchange. Excess Carolina Mosquitofern can lead to light deficiency for other plants.
Propagation. Carolina Mosquitofern propagates vegetatively — through side shoots that separate from the mother plant and form new colonies. Under favorable conditions, the plant grows very quickly, doubling its biomass in a few days.
Use in aquascaping and beneficial properties. Carolina Mosquitofern is ideal for open aquariums and paludariums as a decorative floating plant. Thanks to its miniature leaves, it creates a beautiful green carpet. It looks especially impressive under bright light, when the plant takes on a reddish hue. One of the main advantages of Carolina Mosquitofern is its ability to absorb nitrogen from the air, which helps reduce nitrate levels in the water. This makes it an excellent natural filter in the aquarium. Carolina Mosquitofern is often introduced accidentally with other plants and quickly begins to spread.