Submerged aquatic plants, also known as macrophytes, are a familiar sight in streams, rivers and lakes. Apart from their beauty displayed in aquariums, little is known to the hobbyists about the important roles that these plants play in the ecosystems.

Aquatic plants provide hiding places for small fishes and invertebrates from their predators (bigger fish or other fish eaters, such as birds), and more then often, are used as the breeding surface where the fish lay the eggs upon (eg Angel fish). The plants also act as the safety cover for the fries when hatched. Herbivore and Omnivore fishes feed directly on the plants, while others hunt for the large populations of invertebrates that live amongst. These include filter feeders that helps to remove algae from the water column and also grazers (eg Snail) which feed on aglae and detritus from the surfaces of the plants. In addition, plants take up nutrients and some toxics elements from the water, which helps to maintain the chemical balance and quality of water. The roots, much like trees, help to hold and stablise sediments on the bottom.

In all, aquatic plants plays a very important roles in aquatic ecosystems acting as nuseries, homes, purifier and food.

Where does our aquarium plants come from

Aquatic plants available in the store are the ones that researchers found most suitable for aquarium use. Many tends to grow too huge in size while some are unable to thrive in cultivation, thus, the number of available plants is just a small fractions of the actual plant group. It is interesting to know that, there are perhaps thousands if not millions of plant species unknown to science, laying unexplored in the old jungles and forests.

Most of these plants are bog/marsh plants which are able to grow in and out of the water. Apart from the ease of cultivating them, the bog plants are usually hardier and able to withstand the shipment, making it easier for importing and exporting.

Other than in your favourite plant store or farm, the plants are actually collected from the wild. These places includes swamps, marshes, rivers, streams, creeks and etc.