Page 34 - lukhaup_pekny_invertebrates

Shrimp or mussels with aquatic plants

Shrimp do not do any harm to healthy aquatic plants. Among the three groups, there are no species that
are known to damage aquatic plants severely. The same applies to mussels, which may uproot a plant when
digging into the ground but are otherwise completely harmless.

Crayfish with aquatic plants

Among the crayfish, only the species of the genus Cambarellus and a few cave dwellers hardly ever damage
plants, or do not do so at all. Most other crayfish tend to use plants as a dietary complement, and some of them
are so diligent that no green remains in the tank at all. Even if you feed very generously they will keep nibbling
on the plants. Some species are known for their burrowing activities, which damage plants from below by
uprooting them. Large crayfish will just walk over plants, not around them, and thus simply snap them off. A
good plant for crayfish tanks is hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) as it can be kept floating and need not be
planted into the ground, or especially fast growers like waterweed (Egeria densa, Elodea canadensis). In some
countries, these plants are considered an invasive species, and are thus illegal to import, sell, or even distribute,
though.

Crabs with aquatic plants

Among the crabs, there are also species that regard anything green in a tank as food. However, species of
the genus Geosesarma can be kept in a planted aquaterrarium very well.

Snails with aquatic plants

Among the snails, there are true “lawnmowers” that can develop a ravenous appetite especially for softer
plants. Other species, however, only eat algae and other biofilm organisms, and thus fit into planted tanks
especially well as they are a highly efficient clean-up crew.