Can anyone identify these egg-like stuff on Java Fern?

[CheckeredRust]

Hello all, I notice there are these egg like things on the java fern. I do have 2 Nerite Snails in my tank, but they haven't been laying eggs, neither have they been climbing onto the java fern as well (they're all over the tank except the java fern).

These eggs(?) looks like they are sort of embossed into the leaf. You can see the shape of the egg on the leaf as well. Also, it's extremely small, I had to use a macro lens to see it properly, unlike Nerite eggs which are bigger and obvious.

Would appreciate any input!

 

[Kevin Eades]

I'm not 100% sure but could it be the start of baby plants as this is how ferns reproduce. They grow small plants off mature leaves

 

[Gill]

I also think that they are the start of the nodules for new plants to grow from.

 

[MichaelJ]

@CheckeredRust In one of my tanks I have a huge java fern that that grew from a tiny shot. I have to prune it on a regular basis now - its unstoppable. This is how the "runners" eventually grows from the leaves:

When the sprouts get to this size (about 2 inches/5 cm) (perhaps even smaller) you can just detach them from the leaf and replant. Just make sure you don't bury the rhizome (i.e. the stem the leaves are attached to). In a different tank I used to have a huge piece of driftwood all covered in fern sprouts - looked awesome when they grew in.

Cheers,
Michael

 

[CheckeredRust]

@CheckeredRust In one of my tanks I have a huge java fern that that grew from a tiny shot. I have to prune it on a regular basis now - its unstoppable. This is how the "runners" eventually grows from the leaves:
View attachment 171668

When the sprouts get to this size (about 2 inches/5 cm) (perhaps even smaller) you can just detach them from the leaf and replant. Just make sure you don't bury the rhizome (i.e. the stem the leaves are attached to). In a different tank I used to have a huge piece of driftwood all covered in fern sprouts - looked awesome when they grew in.

Cheers,
Michael

Do they start out looking like the ones in my photo as well? I thought it was some kind of insect eggs!