elodea facts

Elodea has long, slender, multi-branched stem that can reach more than 9.8 feet in length. Elodea is not free-floating plant. It uses root to attach itself to the substrate. Elodea produces blade-shaped leaves with finely toothed edges.

What does elodea need to survive?

Food: There is no need to feed; Elodea derives most of its nourishment from the water through its leaves and through light. Water: You should keep your Elodea fully submerged in water, so water in its habitat should be replenished as it evaporates with de-chlorinated water.

How fast does elodea grow?

As Elodea spreads into new ecosystems, it experiences rapid growth for 5–6 years and then slows as soil nutrients are used up.

Does elodea produce oxygen?

Brazilian elodea (Egeria densa; formerly Elodea densa) and Canadian waterweed are commonly used in schools as an experimental plant for demonstrating cellular structures, such as chloroplasts and nuclei, and oxygen production during photosynthesis.

What temperature does elodea live in?

The ideal temperature for elodea ranges from 65 to 75 degrees F (18 to 24 degrees C), but it is able to survive much colder temperatures.

Is elodea illegal?

It is illegal to sell this plant in Washington State. This aggressive aquatic plant has spread into many western Washington lakes including Lakes Washington, Union, Sammamish, Fenwick, and Doloff in King County.

What is the purpose of elodea?

Elodea provides shelter and food for many aquatic insects, crustaceans and fish. Elodea is often used in decorative purposes in the freshwater aquariums. Elodea quickly grows in waters rich in nitrogen and phosphorus. Rapid growth of elodea reduces oxygen content in the water and leads to fish kills.

Why is elodea banned?

Leafy elodea was traded as an aquarium and pond plant. Unfortunately, it has escaped and causes problems including restricting water flow, increasing siltation, reducing aquatic plant and animal biodiversity, and interfering with swimming, boating and fishing.

Is elodea a living thing?

The Elodea plant and the individual paramecium cell are both organisms because they can live on their own. ... Elodea cells are part of a bigger organism; paramecium are not. An organism is always free-living. It is not a part of a larger living organism.

Do snails eat elodea?

Rooted plants snails prefer include anacharis (Elodea Canadensis) and curled pondweed (Potomogeton crispus), which compete with algae for nutrients in a koi pond or water garden. ... Like other varieties, they also will eat fish food, algae tablets, frozen fish, brine shrimp, weeds and other, dead, snails.

What happens when elodea is exposed to light?

Through investigation, students observe that an Elodea plant in water and exposed to light performs photosynthesis. ... This is a product of photosynthesis. Using the pH indicator phenol red, students will observe the change in pH of the water containing an Elodea plant.

Why is it important to have elodea in an aquarium?

Ecological Importance. Elodea provides habitat for many small aquatic animals, which fish and wildlife eat. Geese, ducks, and swans are particularly attracted to this plant. Elodea is an excellent oxygen producer and frequently used by fish to protect fry.

What did you observe on the elodea leaves?

The elodea like all green plants uses the process of photosynthesis to produce organic energy molecules. ... Oxygen can be observed leaving the elodea cells. Under a microscope the green chloroplasts inside of the cell can be observed.

Can elodea live in saltwater?

The Elodea plant which normally lives in low salt now finds itself in high salt. Water will move OUT of the plant, moving from low salt to high salt. This is plasmolysis. The cell membrane pulls away from the cell way.

Where is elodea found?

Elodea can be found in wet mud along sluggish streams, seepage areas, and marshes.

Do guppies eat elodea?

Food. Commercial flake food is the best for guppies. ... Guppies can go without feeding over a two-day weekend if they are fed twice a day during the week. They can also nibble on the elodea or other aquatic plants.

Is it legal to pick lily pads?

For many states, though, the removal of lily pads or other aquatic plants from public waters is not allowed. ... Unless you are trespassing, or the plant is protected, or you are harvesting from a protected nature area it's perfectly legal.

Where does Brazilian elodea grow?

Habitat: This submerged perennial can survive rooted or free floating in freshwater depths up to 20 feet. Brazilian elodea can be found in ponds, lakes, and sluggish rivers and streams.

Is elodea densa banned?

This plant is known to be causing issues in other parts of Northern Europe and there is already a voluntary ban on selling this plant in Holland. ... Another concern is that retailers may turn to aquarium plant Egeria densa, which can sometimes be sold under the incorrect name Elodea densa.

What does elodea release?

Snails will produce only carbon dioxide, while the Elodea will produce carbon dioxide and oxygen gas.

What does an elodea cell look like?

This Elodea leaf cell exemplifies a typical plant cell. It has a nucleus, and a stiff cell wall which gives the cell its box-like shape. The numerous green chloroplasts allow the cell to make its own food (by photosynthesis). The central vacuole takes up most of the volume of the cell.

How do you store elodea?

Keep the habitat at temperatures ranging from 50 to 77° F for Egeria densa, and 45-65°F for Elodea canadensis. Your container should be large enough to submerge the entirety of the Elodea in treated water. Elodea can grow if it is free floating, but it does grow more vigorously if it is rooted in a substrate.