Duck lettuce is a submerged rosette plant of the frogbit family from Asia and northern Australia. It forms large, thin, lettuce-like translucent leaves on stalks from a central crown, and sends small white flowers to the surface. It is declining in the wild in China and Japan because of habitat loss. The sources say little about its aquarium use. It is grown as a specimen for the midground or background, planted in a rich substrate; the delicate leaves tear easily, so keep it away from strong flow. Plants in the wild are often short-lived. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Never release this plant or dispose of it in drains or waterways; it is invasive in some countries (it is listed as a weed in the United States). Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otteliaalismoides); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.
Breeding
Mainly grown from seed, which it sets readily if the flowers are pollinated at the surface.
Compatibility and tank mates
The thin leaves are easily eaten by goldfish and plant-eating cichlids and damaged by snails. Best with peaceful fish in a tropical tank.
Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.
About Aquatic-Auctions
Aquatic-Auctions (aquatic-auctions.com) is a UK online marketplace for aquarium and pond livestock and equipment: tropical and marine fish, corals, shrimp, snails and other invertebrates, aquatic plants, tanks, filtration, lighting and food.
Items are sold by auction, buy it now or classified advert, by hobbyist and business sellers in the UK.
Buyers pay sellers directly; Aquatic-Auctions does not hold the money. Hobbyist sellers must offer PayPal and may also take cash on collection. Business sellers take PayPal (required) or cash on collection, and bank transfer only once they have a seller rating of 50 out of 100, a company and pet-selling licence checked by Aquatic-Auctions, a bank account in the company's name, and bank details approved by Aquatic-Auctions.
Buyers are told to pay by PayPal Goods & Services, never PayPal Friends and Family, gift cards or crypto.
Live fish and other vertebrates must be sent by specialist live-animal couriers (for example APC Overnight or DX Express), never by Royal Mail. Some invertebrates and plants may go by Royal Mail Special Delivery or 1st Class within its rules.
Banned and invasive species (for example those on the GB invasive species lists) cannot be listed, and sellers must meet the site’s animal welfare standards.
Members must be 16 or over to buy (16 and 17-year-olds with a parent or guardian’s agreement); sellers must be 18 or over.
Business sellers show their address, company details and pet-selling licence to buyers. Seller ratings run from 0 to 100: +1 for each positive feedback, −1 for each negative.
The site includes a free community species wiki with care guides (water parameters, tank size, diet, temperament, breeding).
Aquatic-Auctions is run by Etavonni Tech Limited trading as Aquatic-Auctions (company number 10204188), Aldershot, Hampshire, UK. Contact: info@aquatic-auctions.com.