
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Riccia fluitans
Floating liverwort often used submerged. Stunning appearance with oxygen bubbles attached. Can be the star of an aquascape.
Riccia fluitans is a liverwort in the order Marchantiales, naturally distributed as a free-floating plant across temperate to tropical water bodies worldwide. Its use as a submerged foreground carpet plant was pioneered by Takashi Amano, who popularized the technique of tying it over rocks with fine mesh nets to keep it submerged. Under high light and pressurized CO2, photosynthesis generates spectacular pearl-like oxygen bubbles across the entire mat — one of the most iconic sights in the Nature Aquarium aesthetic. Fast-growing but challenging to maintain, the thallus tends to detach from netting and requires regular intervention. Stable water parameters and consistent algae management are prerequisites for long-term success. Its combination of breathtaking beauty and technical difficulty places it firmly in advanced aquascaping territory.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Origin
Worldwide, in temperate to tropical aquatic habitats
Size
1-3cm (thickness)
Temperature
20〜28℃
Strong light essential
Required (for bubble formation)
Fix to rocks with net or fishing line
Floats up — needs regular maintenance
High maintenance but first-class beauty
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Riccia is 20〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
Riccia typically reaches 1-3cm (thickness) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
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