Utricularia

Utricularia is a genus of carnivorous plants in the family Lentibulariaceae, commonly known as bladderworts. These plants are found in a variety of wetland habitats throughout the world.

Utricularia plants are characterized by their tiny, bladder-like traps that capture and digest small aquatic organisms such as protozoa and aquatic insect larvae. The traps are triggered by tiny hairs that are sensitive to the movements of prey, and they can snap shut in as little as 1/1000th of a second.

In the aquarium hobby, Utricularia is a less common but interesting genus of aquatic plants. They are often used in nano aquaria or as an accent plant in larger setups. Utricularia plants are highly adaptable and can grow in a variety of conditions, but they generally prefer nutrient-poor water and high light intensity. They can be planted in the substrate or left to float in the water column. Some popular species of Utricularia in the aquarium hobby include Utricularia graminifolia and Utricularia gibba.