Crystalwort

Riccia fluitans

Family : Ricciaceae

PlantFreshwatermoss

Floating liverwort forming green cushions on the surface. Widely used in aquascaping to create carpets.

Crystalwort — photo 1 sur 4 — Kristian Peters -- Fabelfroh 06:22, 14 April 2007 (UTC) · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.01 / 4

Popularity

Easy plant

standard lighting, few requirements

Availability

Common in shops

Shop availability

IUCN Status

Least Concern

Description

Riccia fluitans is an aquatic liverwort of the Ricciaceae family. It appears as green lobed thalli, floating freely or attached to substrates. The thalli are 1–3 cm long and branch dichotomously. It grows quickly on the surface and can form dense mats. In aquariums, it is often attached to rocks or wood to create moss-like effects. It prefers moderate to strong light. Without regular trimming, it can overrun the surface.

Habitat

Region :

Stagnant or slow-moving waters, marshes, ditches

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature15–30 °C

pH5–8

GH0–10 °dGH

KH0–5 °dKH

NO₃

≤ 20 mg/L

PO₄

≤ 2 mg/L

CO₂

≤ 0 mg/L

Light

Medium

Care

Difficulty

2/5

Diet

Photosynthetic

Min. tank

10 L

Min. group

Adult size

3 cm

Lifespan

2 years

Temperament

Peaceful

Propagation

fragmentation

Care notes

Crystalwort is easy to maintain. It requires moderate to strong light for compact growth. Temperature between 15 and 30 °C, pH 5.0–8.0. No CO2 needed, but liquid fertilization improves color. Low flow is preferable. It can be kept floating or attached. Regular trimming is needed to prevent light blockage. Ideal for shrimp tanks and nano aquariums.

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