Lesser duckweed - Lemna minor

Lemna minor, commonly known as the lesser duckweed, is a small, low-maintenance plant that floats freely on the surface of the water. It is primarily found in ponds, pools, stagnant, and slow-moving waters around the world (excluding polar regions). Lemna minor reproduces very well and creates beautiful green carpets on the water's surface, providing shelter and even food for some species of fish. It also modifies the light spectrum and prevents the growth of excess harmful algae in aquariums.

Lemna minor has tiny leaves that are about 18 mm in size. A single plant can have up to 13 leaves and has only one freely hanging root, approximately 12 cm long. When it eventually covers the surface and starts to shade other plants in the aquarium, you can easily remove part of it with a net. However, removing it entirely from the aquarium can be more complicated due to its small size.

It has an excellent ability to absorb nitrogen, phosphorus, and heavy metals, and it facilitates beneficial biological changes in the aquarium.