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Photo: Cardex, Public domain

Amazon Frogbit

Limnobium laevigatum

Edited by Ivan F. · Reviewed November 8, 2026

EasyFigures from Tropica & Flowgrow

Beginner verdict

A floating plant with round, lily-like leaves and long, trailing roots that give shy fish welcome shade. It grows quickly and soaks up nutrients directly from the water. Fish such as bettas and gouramis love the cover, but thin it often so that the plants beneath still get light.

Light: Low
CO2: Not Needed
Growth: Moderate
Placement: Floating
Max height: 2 in (5 cm)
Temperature: 68–81 °F (20–27 °C)
pH: 5–8
Needs substrate: No

Check your local rules on Amazon Frogbit

Official lists name this plant or its close relatives. Rules differ by place, so check the rules where you live before you buy or keep one.

Spain
Since October 2026, Spain's catalogue of invasive alien species lists the genus Hydrocharis, except one native species. Spain's environment ministry also uses the name Hydrocharis laevigata for this plant, with Limnobium laevigatum as another name for it, so we read the listing as covering it. A lawyer has not confirmed that. The listing covers all of Spain, and it brings a general ban on keeping, transporting and selling live plants or pieces that could grow.
Source: Orden TED/1096/2026 (BOE); Water species sheet naming both names (MITECO); Real Decreto 630/2013, consolidated text (BOE), article 7

Never release aquarium animals or plants into the wild, including into ponds, rivers or drains.

This is general information, not legal advice. We last checked these lists on 4 November 2026. Our US state aquarium rules table shows every state, including the ones whose lists we could not read. We did not check Spanish regional rules, and other countries have their own.

Amazon Frogbit care mistakes to avoid

Thin it regularly, so plants below still get light.
Keep the leaves dry on top, because constant splashing can rot them.
Reduce strong surface flow, which pushes the plants under and damages them.
Keep a lid on but leave an air gap, since condensation can damage the leaves.

How it spreads

It forms new plants on runners at the surface. Remove extras so light reaches the tank below.

Amazon Frogbit FAQ

How tall does Amazon Frogbit grow?

Tropica lists growth to about 5 cm (2 in) in a tank, and it can grow larger over time.

What light does Amazon Frogbit need?

Tropica rates its light demand as low. Most standard aquarium lights are enough.

Why are my frogbit leaves melting?

Water sitting on the leaves or strong surface flow is the usual cause. Reduce splashing, and leave a gap under the lid.

Will frogbit shade my other plants?

It can. Thin it often, or keep a floating ring around one area so light still reaches the plants beneath.

Where to buy Amazon Frogbit

Stores that list it under the same scientific name as this page. We earn nothing from these links. We have not bought from them, so check each store's own terms.

Shop in:

Sold at The Shrimp Farm

We have not found a store that sells Amazon Frogbit under its scientific name yet. We add stores as we confirm them.

Live animals and plants travel by courier. Check the store's live-arrival guarantee, and only buy once your tank has cycled (see how to cycle a fish tank).

Some US states restrict certain species. Check our US state aquarium rules table and your state's own rules before you buy.