Riccia Fluitans Aquarium: The Complete Guide for Aquascaping

Aquarium plants are an essential part of creating a beautiful and healthy aquascape, and few species are as versatile and striking as Riccia fluitans. This floating liverwort has captured the attention of aquarists worldwide for its lush, bright green growth and ability to transform aquariums into underwater gardens. Whether you’re a beginner setting up your first planted tank or an experienced aquascaper aiming for a professional layout, Riccia fluitans can play a vital role in your aquarium design

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about Riccia fluitans in aquariums—from its origins and care requirements to its use in aquascaping, propagation methods, tank mates, benefits, challenges, and FAQs

What is Riccia Fluitans?

Riccia fluitans is a species of floating liverwort that naturally grows on the surface of ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers across the globe. Unlike traditional rooted plants, it doesn’t have roots, stems, or leaves but instead forms bright green, branching thalli that clump together into floating mats. This makes it a unique addition to freshwater aquariums since it can be used in various ways, from a floating cover plant to a lush carpet attached to rocks or driftwood

The plant gained widespread popularity in aquascaping thanks to Takashi Amano, the legendary aquascaper, who showcased Riccia fluitans as a carpeting plant in some of his iconic Nature Aquarium layouts. Since then, it has become a staple in aquascaping setups that focus on lush greenery and natural aesthetics

Appearance and Growth Habit

Riccia fluitans is vibrant green in color and has a soft, moss-like appearance. Its growth habit depends on how it’s used:

• Floating: When left to float on the surface, it forms dense mats that provide shade and shelter for fish and fry
• Submerged: When tied to rocks, driftwood, or mesh, it can create a stunning green carpet effect at the bottom of the tank
• Wall or Mat: With the help of aquarium mesh, it can be used as a vertical wall, midground bush, or foreground carpet

Its versatility in growth makes it one of the most flexible plants available for planted aquariums

Benefits of Riccia Fluitans in Aquariums

Riccia fluitans is not just a decorative plant; it offers several ecological and functional benefits for aquariums:

1. Oxygenation – Riccia is an excellent oxygenator, releasing oxygen bubbles that create a pearling effect under strong light and CO2 injection
2. Habitat for Fry and Shrimp – Its dense structure provides hiding places for baby fish and shrimp, increasing their survival rates
3. Water Quality Improvement – As it grows, Riccia absorbs excess nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates, helping prevent algae growth
4. Versatile Aquascaping Tool – It can be floated, tied, or used as a carpet, fitting into almost any aquascaping style
5. Natural Food Source – Small fish, fry, and shrimp graze on microorganisms that thrive within Riccia mats

Ideal Tank Conditions for Riccia Fluitans

To thrive in an aquarium, Riccia fluitans requires specific conditions. While it is relatively hardy, achieving the lush, green carpets that aquascapers love requires a well-balanced setup

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 20–28°C (68–82°F)
• pH: 5.5–7.5
• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water

Lighting Requirements

Riccia is a light-demanding plant. Moderate to high-intensity lighting is necessary for compact growth and vibrant color. Under low light, it may turn pale and become stringy

CO2 Injection

Although Riccia can grow without CO2, injecting CO2 significantly enhances its growth speed, density, and pearling effect. For aquascapers aiming for a carpeting effect, CO2 supplementation is highly recommended

Nutrient Requirements

Riccia absorbs nutrients directly from the water column. Fertilization with liquid fertilizers that supply essential micronutrients and macronutrients will promote lush growth. Iron supplementation in particular can help maintain its vibrant green color

Planting and Using Riccia Fluitans in Aquascaping

One of Riccia’s strongest features is its versatility in aquascaping. Here are the most common ways it is used:

1. Floating Plant

When left to float, Riccia creates thick mats on the water surface. This is ideal for breeding tanks since it provides shelter for fry and helps reduce stress in shy fish

2. Foreground Carpet

By attaching Riccia to flat stones or stainless-steel mesh with fishing line or cotton thread, it can form a dense, lawn-like carpet. Regular trimming is necessary to maintain a neat appearance, as it tends to float up when it grows too thick

3. Midground Bush

When attached to driftwood or rocks, Riccia can form bush-like clusters that enhance the aquascape’s depth and natural appearance

4. Background Wall

Riccia can be grown on vertical mesh panels to form lush, green walls. This provides a stunning backdrop and improves water quality at the same time

Propagation of Riccia Fluitans

Propagation is simple, as Riccia naturally breaks apart into smaller fragments that continue growing independently. To propagate:

• Collect small clumps and attach them to rocks, driftwood, or mesh
• Leave some floating pieces to grow freely
• Regular trimming ensures healthy regrowth and prevents over-shading other plants

Maintenance and Care Tips

Although Riccia fluitans is a hardy plant, it requires regular care to keep it healthy and attractive:

1. Trimming – Regular trimming prevents overgrowth, which can cause the lower layers to die off due to lack of light
2. Prevent Floating Away – When used as a carpet, it needs to be securely tied; otherwise, it may detach and float away
3. Avoid Algae Growth – Riccia is prone to algae if exposed to excess nutrients and insufficient water circulation. Maintaining a good balance between light, CO2, and nutrients is crucial
4. Good Filtration – Since it absorbs nutrients directly from the water, maintaining clean and stable water conditions will promote better growth

Tank Mates for Riccia Fluitans

Riccia is compatible with most peaceful freshwater fish and invertebrates. Its dense mats serve as hiding places and breeding grounds. Good tank mates include:

• Guppies
• Tetras
• Rasboras
• Dwarf Gouramis
• Betta fish
• Shrimp (Neocaridina, Caridina)
• Fry of livebearers and egg-layers

Avoid large or aggressive fish that may uproot or damage the plant, such as goldfish or cichlids

Common Problems and Solutions

Even though Riccia is easy to grow, aquarists may encounter a few challenges:

1. Floating Carpets

Problem: Riccia tends to detach from rocks or mesh and float to the surface
Solution: Use fine fishing line or mesh to secure it more tightly and trim regularly to prevent lifting

2. Algae Infestation

Problem: Excessive light or nutrients may lead to algae growth
Solution: Balance lighting, CO2, and fertilization while improving water circulation and adding algae eaters like Amano shrimp

3. Browning or Melting

Problem: Riccia may turn brown if deprived of light or nutrients
Solution: Ensure sufficient lighting, CO2, and fertilizers while trimming to allow light penetration

Role of Riccia Fluitans in Different Aquarium Types

Breeding Tanks

Riccia provides excellent cover for fry, increasing survival rates and offering natural micro-food sources

Shrimp Tanks

Shrimp thrive in Riccia mats, feeding on biofilm and using the plant for shelter

Nature Aquariums

Riccia enhances aquascapes by adding texture, depth, and vibrant greenery, whether used as a carpet, wall, or floating mat

Low-Tech Aquariums

While Riccia can grow in low-tech setups, it may require frequent maintenance since it grows slower and is more prone to algae without CO2 and high light

Why Choose Riccia Fluitans for Your Aquarium?

Aquarists choose Riccia for its beauty, functionality, and adaptability. It offers:

• A natural, vibrant green look
• Shelter and food for fish and shrimp
• Oxygenation and nutrient absorption
• Endless aquascaping possibilities

For aquascapers, Riccia fluitans is more than just a plant—it’s a creative tool that allows them to design underwater landscapes with stunning results

FAQs About Riccia Fluitans Aquarium

1. Is Riccia fluitans easy to grow?
Yes, it is relatively easy to grow, but it performs best under high light and CO2 injection for dense, compact growth

2. Can Riccia be grown without CO2?
Yes, it can survive without CO2, but growth will be slower, and it may not form dense carpets as effectively

3. How do I attach Riccia to rocks or driftwood?
You can use fishing line, cotton thread, or fine mesh to tie it down until it naturally attaches itself

4. Does Riccia need fertilizers?
Yes, liquid fertilizers with micronutrients and macronutrients promote lush growth and maintain its vibrant green color

5. Can Riccia fluitans be kept in a low-tech tank?
It can, but it may be more difficult to manage since it requires frequent trimming and is more prone to algae in low-tech setups

6. How often should Riccia be trimmed?
Trimming every 1–2 weeks helps maintain its shape, prevent detachment, and allow light to reach the lower layers

7. Is Riccia safe for all fish?
Yes, it is safe and compatible with most peaceful community fish, fry, and shrimp, but avoid large, plant-eating species

8. Why is my Riccia turning brown?
This usually happens due to poor lighting, lack of nutrients, or overcrowding. Improving light, trimming, and fertilization usually resolves the issue