Riccia fluitans

Riccia fluitans is a cosmopolitan aquatic liverwort that can be managed in two completely different ways in the planted aquarium — left to float freely at the water surface creating a naturalistic surface mat, or tied to mesh submerged in the aquarium where it forms a dense, brilliant green foreground carpet. Under good CO₂ and high lighting, Riccia fluitans produces intense oxygen pearling from its thallus surfaces — one of the most visually dramatic oxygenation displays achievable in any planted aquarium.

Planting tip: Riccia fluitans should be attached to driftwood, rock, or mesh with its fronds exposed to the water column. Use cotton thread or aquarium-safe adhesive to secure it, and the plant will anchor itself naturally over time. Good water circulation supports healthy growth.

When tied to submerged mesh, Riccia creates a vivid, intensely green foreground carpet of remarkable brightness and visual impact. The frequent trimming required to maintain the tied form is the primary management challenge — untrimmed Riccia detaches from the mesh over time as growth exceeds the attachment points. This high-maintenance character is balanced by the extraordinary visual impact of a well-maintained Riccia carpet under good CO₂ and light.

This moderate plant grows under high lighting with CO₂ recommended. Temperatures between 64 and 80°F and a pH of 6.0 to 7.5 provide comfortable conditions. Regular fertilization maintains vigorous, healthy growth. The oxygen pearling effect that Riccia produces under strong light and CO₂ is among the most impressive visible oxygenation displays in planted aquarium keeping.

In the aquascape, Riccia fluitans provides either natural surface coverage or an intensely green foreground carpet depending on management approach. The pearling display under good CO₂ creates extraordinary visual energy in the aquascape and is highly prized by competition aquascapers and photographers. In shrimp tanks, both floating and tied Riccia provides ideal habitat and grazing for dwarf shrimp.

Riccia fluitans is a versatile and visually dramatic aquatic liverwort for aquarists who want either natural surface coverage or a high-impact pearling foreground carpet. Its dual growing modes and exceptional pearling display make it one of the most photographically rewarding plants in the hobby.

Care & Specifications