Care Guide
Family Name: Ricciaceae
Riccia Fluitans
Care at a Glance
Lighting
Low-high
Growth Rate
Very fast
Growth Form
Small fibers
Placement
Can be used in many places, but needs something to anchor it.
True Aquatic
Yes
Available As
Portion and mat
About This Plant
Riccia fluitans is a small aquatic liverwort. it has been known in the aquarium hobby for a long time, but was made popular for aquascaping use by Takashi Amano in the early 1990’s. He took a last that we mostly thought of as a floating plant, tied it to rocks and used it as a ground cover. While it is stunning used in this way, people should be aware of its tendency to float away before too long. Over time, Amano San and others found that it could be kept in place longer by mixing it in with other, rooted ground covers, such as Glossostigma . Even so the fact that the pieces that float away easily become a nuisance has led to it being less popular than it once was as a ground cover. Interestingly, while Riccia is mostly a floating plant in nature also, it can also be found both attached to rocks, as in the photo above right, or mixed in plant “communities” in shallow water, just as we use it in the aquarium.!
About the Riccia Genus
Family — Ricciaceae
Riccia fluitans is a floating liverwort traditionally tied to stones or mesh to create a bright green "meadow." High light keeps it pearling oxygen visibly.
Quick-Reference Details
- Common name
- Family Name: Ricciaceae
- Scientific name
- Riccia Fluitans
- Family
- Ricciaceae
- Native to
- World-wide
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Requirements
- Undemanding
- Lighting
- Low-high
- Growth rate
- Very fast
- Growth form
- Small fibers
- Placement
- Can be used in many places, but needs something to anchor it.
- True aquatic
- Yes
- Available as
- Portion and mat
Difficulty — Advanced
Performs best with strong lighting, CO2 supplementation, and stable water parameters. Not recommended as a first plant.
CO2 & Fertilization
Pressurized CO2 is strongly recommended at this light level — without it, algae will outcompete the plant.
Tank Size & Setup
Works in tanks 10 gallons and up. Match the plant size to your tank depth for the cleanest aquascape.
Aquascaping & Placement
Position to suit your aquascape — most placements work as long as light reaches the leaves.
Tank-Mate Compatibility
Compatible with the full range of community-tank species — tetras, rasboras, livebearers, corydoras, and most other peaceful freshwater fish do not damage the foliage. Excellent in shrimp tanks. The fine leaf structure and biofilm surface make it a top pick for breeding Neocaridina and Caridina species.
Common Care Issues
Algae outbreaks
High-light plants without matched CO2 and nutrient dosing reliably trigger algae blooms. If you can't run pressurized CO2, choose a lower-light alternative or accept some algae management.
Outgrowing the tank
Plan to trim every 1-2 weeks. Skipping trims lets the plant shade out neighbors and trap detritus that fouls water quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much light does Family Name: Ricciaceae need?
Family Name: Ricciaceae (Riccia Fluitans) prefers low-high lighting. Plan on a high-output LED fixture combined with pressurized CO2 for the best color and form.
Does Family Name: Ricciaceae need CO2?
Pressurized CO2 is strongly recommended at this light level — without it, algae will outcompete the plant.
Is Family Name: Ricciaceae good for beginners?
Family Name: Ricciaceae is rated advanced-level. Performs best with strong lighting, CO2 supplementation, and stable water parameters. Not recommended as a first plant.
How fast does Family Name: Ricciaceae grow?
Growth rate is very fast. Expect to trim every 1-2 weeks once established.
What fish and invertebrates are compatible with Family Name: Ricciaceae?
Compatible with the full range of community-tank species — tetras, rasboras, livebearers, corydoras, and most other peaceful freshwater fish do not damage the foliage. Excellent in shrimp tanks. The fine leaf structure and biofilm surface make it a top pick for breeding Neocaridina and Caridina species.
Available to Purchase
Family Name: Ricciaceae — $20.99
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