Mayaca Fluviatilis

Mayaca fluviatilis

Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Mayacaceae

📍 South America

A beautiful, moss-like stem plant with densely packed, fine, bright green leaves that give stems a cylindrical, fluffy appearance. It grows in flowing, well-oxygenated water in the wild. Prefers soft, slightly acidic conditions and benefits from CO2. Often used in Dutch scapes as a light green accent column.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

Peaceful algae grazers that won't damage delicate foliage and help maintain plant health

excellent

Emerald Dwarf Rasbora

Small, gentle fish that appreciate planted tanks and won't uproot or consume the plant

excellent

Red Cherry Shrimp

Excellent plant-safe invertebrates that graze algae and thrive in the same soft, acidic water parameters

excellent

Dwarf Hairgrass

Complementary foreground plant that creates attractive layering and shares similar nutrient requirements

excellent

Anubias Nana

Hardy companion plant with different growth habit; tie to hardscape rather than planting in substrate

good

German Blue Ram

Peaceful dwarf cichlid that appreciates planted environments but may occasionally uproot plants while foraging

good

Common Diseases

Nutrient Deficiency

Symptoms

Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, pale coloration, particularly in new growth

Treatment

Increase fertilizer dosing with all-in-one formulas or macronutrient supplements; ensure adequate lighting and CO2; test water parameters and adjust as needed

Algae Overgrowth on Leaves

Symptoms

Green or brown algae coating the fine foliage, reduced light penetration, plant appears dull

Treatment

Increase water changes, reduce lighting duration, add algae-eating fish or shrimp, manually remove affected portions, improve water circulation

Melting or Decay

Symptoms

Leaves become translucent, mushy stems, discoloration, plant appears to dissolve

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent partial changes, ensure adequate CO2 and nutrients, reduce temperature if elevated, remove severely affected portions and replant healthy stems

Poor Growth or Stagnation

Symptoms

Minimal new growth, leaves remain small, plant appears dormant despite adequate conditions

Treatment

Increase light intensity to medium-high levels, boost CO2 injection, verify fertilizer dosing, ensure water parameters are within range (pH 5.5-7.0, soft water), improve water circulation