Nearly worldwide in cool-temperate regions, including Britain and Ireland, Europe, Asia, Oceania and the Americas
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
1.4 cm
Temperature
4–24°C
pH
6–8.5
Hardness
5–20 dGH
Care level
beginner
Lighting
Medium light; CO2 not needed
Flow
Still to gentle water
Care
Star duckweed is unlike other duckweeds: it floats just below the surface rather than on it, and its narrow, stalked fronds, up to 14 mm long, stay joined in branching chains that look like tiny ivy. It only rises to the surface to flower. It has been recorded at depths of 12–14 m. In ponds and coldwater tanks it forms loose, drifting mats in the upper water, giving cover to fry and shrimp without shading the surface as heavily as floating duckweeds. It is a cool-water plant and tends to struggle in warm tropical tanks. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemnatrisulca); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemna); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.
Breeding
Spreads by budding new fronds, which stay attached for a while before chains break apart. Simply move a handful to a new tank or pond.
Compatibility and tank mates
Goldfish, koi, silver dollars, many cichlids and some gouramis eat it eagerly, which can keep it in check. It suits fry, betta and shrimp tanks, but it clogs filter intakes and is very hard to remove completely once introduced, so think before adding it to a display 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.