Subwassertang Moss, also known as Round Pellia, is a popular and easy-to-care-for aquatic plant, favored for its unique and versatile appearance. Despite its name, it is not a true moss but a type of liverwort. It features small, round, translucent green fronds that create soft, lush clusters in aquariums.
Native to Southeast Asia, Subwassertang thrives in various water conditions, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced aquarists. It prefers low to moderate lighting and can tolerate temperatures between 15°C and 28°C (59°F to 82°F). While adding CO2 can enhance its growth and color, it is not necessary.
Subwassertang is versatile in aquascaping. It can be attached to driftwood, rocks, or other aquarium decorations using thread, glue, or by tucking it into crevices. Over time, it will naturally adhere to surfaces, creating a beautiful, natural look. Its slow growth rate means it needs minimal maintenance and does not require frequent trimming.
This plant provides excellent shelter and breeding grounds for small fish, shrimp, and other invertebrates due to its dense, bushy growth. It enhances the biodiversity and ecological balance of the aquarium.
In aquascaping, Subwassertang can be used in various ways: as a foreground plant for a carpet-like effect, as a midground plant for added texture, or even as a floating plant for shaded areas. Its bright green color contrasts beautifully with darker elements and other plants, making it a striking addition to any aquascape.
Overall, Subwassertang Moss (Round Pellia) is a charming and adaptable plant that enhances the visual appeal and ecological health of freshwater aquariums, making it a favorite among aquarists.
At first glance, it appears very similar to the liverwort Monosolenium, but it is actually neither a moss nor a seaweed, but prothalli of the fern Lomariopsis Lineata.
The differences between Lomariopsis Lineata & Monosolenium Tenerum
Lomariopsis Lineata / Süsswassertang: Thinner, Light Green & Not As Fragile
The entire thallus is thin like a membrane (only one layer of cells thick), and there is no midrib. Broad round lobes, the tip is never truncated. There are rhizoids (hairlike adhesion organs fulfilling the function of roots) at irregular distances on the underside, also near the margin of the thallus, often in groups. The thallus is more transparent and of a darker green, more flexible, and less fragile than Monosolenium.
Monosolenium Tenerum / Pellia Moss: Thicker, Dark Green & Very Fragile
The thallus is stronger, more than just one layer of cells thick. The tips are less rounded, clearly visible, elevated on the underside, and densely covered by rhizoids. In the tissue, oil body cells are visible, as tiny light-colored (when viewed with incident light) or dark-colored (when viewed with transmitted light) spots. The plant is very fragile. The branches of the thallus grow upright under low light and develop a very narrow habit.
- Sold as a small loose portion, approx. 2″ x 2″ in size
- Perfect to attach to driftwood, rock, or stone
Common Name: Subwassertang / Loma Fern / Round Pellia
CO2: Not Required
Growth Rates: Slow
Difficulty Level: Beginner
Nutrient Substrate: Not Required
Lighting Requirements: Low – Medium
Can be grow emerged?: Yes
Can be attached to driftwood, stone, rock, aquarium decoration?: Yes