Aquascape DIYThe Various Varieties of Riccia Fluitans PlantsAquarium Designs

Riccia fluitans is a floating aquatic plant found almost in any part of the world. There is quite a few geographic varieties which differs both in the way they look and in the way they grown in the aquarium. Here below are the various varieties of Riccia fluitans plant included pictures that can be clicked for a larger version.

Japanese Riccia Fluitans

Pictures below is the Japanese variety of Riccia, which is the most useful in the aquarium – either used in the traditional way as a floating plant or in the very beautiful submerged form. Left – the floating form. Right – the submerged form.

European Riccia Fluitans

The European form is not very useful in the aquascaping aquarium – this is particularly true for the submerged form. Left – the floating form. Right – the submerged form.

Thailand Riccia Fluitans

Photos of Riccia fluitans below are the Riccia variety from Thailand. In line with the European variety, the submerged form is unsuitable for the aquascape aquarium. Left – the floating form. Right – the submerged form.

Singapore Riccia Fluitans

Finally we have the variety of Riccia fluitans from Singapore. The submerged form of this variety is also unsuitable for the aquarium. Left – the floating form. Right – the submerged form.

The Japanese variety with relatively long thalli is the most suitable for aquascape aquarium use. The other Asian and European forms are much more fragile. They break easily when they are attached to a piece of rock and they cannot create a thick and beautiful turf before they loosen and drift to the surface.

However, Takashi Amano from Japan invented the technique of securing the aquatic liverwort Riccia fluitans to a piece of lava rock or slate and thereby keeping it submerged. Click this link to find How to Secure Dwarf Riccia with ADA Riccia Stones completely.