Riccia Fluitans

Riccia Fluitans (Floating Crystalwort)

Overview:
Riccia fluitans, commonly known as floating crystalwort or bladderwort, is a popular floating plant among aquarists, especially in tanks with livebearers. It’s an excellent hiding place for young fry. Discovered in 1753, Riccia fluitans wasn’t originally used as an aquarium plant, but it gained popularity after renowned Japanese aquarist Takashi Amano experimented with it. He attached it to driftwood and rocks in aquariums, showing its potential. While there are different species of Riccia, the variety native to Japan is best suited for submerged conditions in aquariums.

Appearance:
Riccia fluitans grows quickly and forms a dense mat both below and on the water’s surface. When provided with the right conditions, a single branch or bud can grow into a large colony. While it naturally floats on water, it can also be submerged when tied to driftwood or rocks. Its ability to attach to wood or rocks makes it perfect for creating a foreground carpet in aquariums. In good lighting, it turns a bright green. It’s an easy-to-care-for plant that can thrive in a variety of environments, but it grows best with added carbon dioxide and produces small oxygen bubbles on its leaves in ideal conditions.

Plant Type: Soft plant

Ideal Water Temperature: Riccia fluitans thrives in temperatures between 15°C and 30°C.

Water pH Range: It prefers a pH between 6.0 and 8.0.

Lighting Needs: Riccia fluitans grows best under medium to high lighting. Basic fluorescent bulbs or natural sunlight work well for rapid growth.

Benefits and Uses:

1. The dense mat of Riccia fluitans offers a perfect hiding place for fry.
2. Its thick foliage provides a nesting area for spawning fish, such as Gouramis.
3. It makes an attractive foreground carpet in aquascaping.
4. It’s commonly used in livebearer tanks.
5. Riccia fluitans acts as an oxygenator in aquariums, improving water quality.

Fun Fact:
Because Riccia fluitans grows quickly, it needs regular pruning. Without this, parts that don’t get enough light may wither and die, affecting the plant’s overall growth. These dead parts can float away, disrupting the plant’s aesthetic and causing it to lose its beautiful carpet-like appearance.