Riccia

Riccia fluitans

Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Ricciaceae

📍 Cosmopolitan (worldwide)

A floating liverwort made famous by Takashi Amano, who pioneered the technique of tying Riccia to rocks and driftwood using hairnets to create lush, bright green carpet-like surfaces. Left floating, it forms a thick mat at the water surface that provides excellent cover for fry and shrimp. When submerged and attached, it releases oxygen bubbles in a process called pearling, creating a spectacular visual effect. It is not a true moss but behaves similarly and is essential in the competition aquascaping world.

Tank Mates

Red Cherry Shrimp

Shrimp graze on algae and detritus without damaging Riccia; dense mats provide shelter and grazing surfaces

excellent

Amano Shrimp

Excellent algae control and won't uproot or consume healthy Riccia; benefit from the cover it provides

excellent

Otocinclus

Small, peaceful algae eaters that navigate through Riccia mats without damaging them

good

Ember Tetra

Tiny, peaceful schooling fish that use floating or attached Riccia as shelter and breeding grounds

excellent

Java Moss

Complementary foreground plant; both create dense cover and have similar care requirements

excellent

Dwarf Hairgrass

Pairs well as a substrate plant while Riccia occupies the midwater and surface; different growth forms create layered aquascaping

good

Common Diseases

Algae Overgrowth (Green/Black Beard Algae)

Symptoms

Green or dark filamentous algae coating Riccia fronds; reduced light penetration and plant vigor

Treatment

Increase water changes, reduce photoperiod to 6-8 hours, boost CO₂ levels, manually remove affected portions, or use algae-eating shrimp (Amano, Red Cherry)

Nutrient Deficiency

Symptoms

Yellowing or pale fronds, stunted growth, loss of vibrant green color despite adequate light

Treatment

Dose all-in-one liquid fertilizer (Thrive, Flourish) 1-2 times weekly; ensure fish bioload is adequate or add macronutrient supplements

Melting (Decay)

Symptoms

Fronds turning brown or translucent, disintegration of plant tissue, foul odor

Treatment

Improve water circulation, perform 30-50% water change, remove decaying portions, ensure adequate CO₂ and light; check for poor water quality or temperature stress

Bleaching (Light Stress)

Symptoms

Riccia turning pale white or yellowish under excessive light without adequate nutrients or CO₂

Treatment

Reduce photoperiod to 8-10 hours daily, increase CO₂ injection, dose fertilizers, or provide shade with taller plants

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Quick Facts

co2: Recommended for attached growth and pearling
light: Medium to high
max size: Surface mat; attached clumps 2–5 cm (1–2 in) thick
placement: Surface (floating) or foreground/hardscape (attached)
substrate: None — floats or attach to hardscape with net/thread
growth rate: Fast

Water it likes

ph: 6.0–8.0
notes: Floats naturally; requires netting or thread to hold submerged. Produces prolific O₂ bubbles in good light/CO₂.
hardness: 0–15 dGH
temperature: 138–183°F (59–84°C)