Herbivore Damage / Fish, Shrimp, and Snail Grazing

About this condition

A condition in which aquatic plants are damaged or killed by fish, shrimp, or snails grazing on leaves and new shoots. The likelihood varies depending on the species of plants and the mix of inhabitants in the tank.

Common symptoms

• Irregular holes or missing sections are visible on the leaves
• New shoots and tender leaves are selectively consumed and disappear
• Leaf count drops rapidly, leaving only stems and roots
• Damage tends to progress after lights go off or during nighttime hours

Common causes

• Grazing by highly herbivorous species such as Amano shrimp, goldfish, or plecos
• Concentrated damage from overpopulation of snails or other mollusks
• Too many herbivorous inhabitants relative to the amount of aquatic plants present
• Insufficient feeding of tank inhabitants causing plants to become a substitute food source

Prevention (growing conditions & routine care)

Avoid combining highly herbivorous species with delicate aquatic plants, and feed tank inhabitants appropriately to reduce grazing pressure on plants. Increasing planting density can also help distribute and minimize the impact of herbivore damage.

Related guide

When to see a vet

What can a nursery or grower do?

Tropical fish and aquatic plant specialty stores can assess the compatibility of tank inhabitants with plant species and advise on selecting grazing-resistant inhabitants or switching to tougher plant varieties less susceptible to herbivore damage.

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