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String Moss
Leptodictyum riparium
Plantae›Bryophyta›Bryopsida›Hypnales›Amblystegiaceae
📍 Cosmopolitan (worldwide)
A stringy, long-stranded moss with thin, delicate shoots that grow in loose, flowing tangles — giving it a wild, natural look unlike the denser Christmas or Java moss. Often used to create shaggy, overgrown effects on driftwood or as a hiding place for fry and shrimp. Also used in Wabi-kusa style arrangements. Grows faster than many mosses and can be difficult to manage if left untrimmed but is very undemanding.
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Compatible Livestock
Shrimp use moss as grazing ground and shelter; moss provides biofilm without being damaged
Large shrimp that benefit from moss cover and help control algae without harming the plant
Peaceful algae eater that won't uproot or damage delicate moss strands
Small, gentle fish that use moss for shelter and won't damage the plant
May nibble moss occasionally; monitor behavior but generally compatible
Excellent companion plant with similar care requirements; creates dense natural layouts together
Common Diseases
Algae Overgrowth (Green Spot, Hair Algae)
Visible green or brown algae coating moss strands; reduced light penetration; moss appears smothered
Increase water changes, reduce light duration to 6-8 hours daily, add algae-eating shrimp or fish (Amano shrimp, Otocinclus), manually remove affected portions
Melting (Tissue Decay)
Moss strands become translucent, mushy, or dissolve; browning of tissue
Improve water circulation, check water parameters (pH 5.5–7.5, low ammonia/nitrite), increase water changes, remove dead portions, ensure adequate light
Nutrient Deficiency
Slow growth, pale or yellowish coloration, weak structure
Dose liquid all-in-one fertilizer weekly, ensure moderate lighting, check for adequate CO₂ in high-light setups
Black Beard Algae (BBA)
Black or dark red fuzzy growth on moss strands; plant appears covered in dark film
Reduce light to 6 hours daily, increase water flow, perform 50% water changes twice weekly, manually remove affected moss, add algae-eating shrimp or increase CO₂
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Quick Facts
- co2
- Not required
- light
- Low to medium
- max size
- Strands can exceed 10–15 cm (4–6 in)
- placement
- Midground / hardscape
- substrate
- None — attach to hardscape or float
- growth rate
- Medium to fast
Water it likes
- ph
- 5.5–7.5
- notes
- Long stringy growth gives a wild, natural appearance. Trim regularly to prevent it overtaking other plants.
- hardness
- 0–12 dGH
- temperature
- 138–180°F (59–82°C)