Coral Moss

Riccardia chamedryfolia

Plantae›Marchantiophyta›Jungermanniopsida›Jungermanniales›Aneuraceae

📍 Southeast Asia

Dense, compact liverwort that grows in coral-like branching patterns. Slow-growing but creates incredible texture on hardscape. Also called Mini Pellia.

Tank Mates

Amano Shrimp

Gentle foragers that won't damage delicate moss structure and help control algae

excellent

Red Cherry Shrimp

Small, non-destructive shrimp that thrive in moss-heavy tanks and add visual contrast

excellent

Otocinclus

Peaceful algae-eaters that respect plants and benefit from moss as shelter

good

Anubias Nana

Complementary slow-growing plant with similar care requirements and hardscape attachment

excellent

Java Moss

Excellent companion plant creating layered texture and similar low-maintenance care profile

excellent

Ember Tetra

Small, peaceful fish that appreciate moss shelter without uprooting or damaging the plant

good

Common Diseases

Algae Overgrowth

Symptoms

Green or brown algae coating the moss, obscuring branching structure and reducing light penetration

Treatment

Increase water changes, reduce lighting duration to 6-8 hours daily, add algae-eating shrimp or fish, and manually remove visible algae

Nutrient Deficiency

Symptoms

Stunted growth, pale coloration, loss of branching density, and yellowing of older growth

Treatment

Implement consistent liquid fertilizer dosing (all-in-one or macronutrient supplements), increase CO2 if using pressurized system, and ensure adequate lighting

Melting

Symptoms

Tissue breakdown, browning, and disintegration of moss structure following major water parameter changes

Treatment

Acclimate slowly to new conditions, maintain stable pH (6.0-7.5) and temperature, perform gradual water changes, and ensure adequate CO2 and nutrients