Caloglossa Beccarii (Caloglossa beccarii) Care Guide
A unique freshwater red alga with flat branching thalli that resemble miniature fern fronds. Under high light, it develops attractive reddish-brown coloration.
Overview
Caloglossa beccarii is an aquatic plant in the family Delesseriaceae. A unique freshwater red alga with flat branching thalli that resemble miniature fern fronds. Under high light, it develops attractive reddish-brown coloration. Grows slowly attached to hardscape and adds an unusual texture that differs from typical mosses and plants.
Taxonomy
- Family: Delesseriaceae
- Genus: Caloglossa
- Scientific name: Caloglossa beccarii
- Other names: Red Algae Moss
Habitat
A red alga belonging to the family Delesseriaceae, native to brackish and freshwater habitats of tropical Southeast Asia. In nature it grows attached to wood, roots and rock in mangrove margins and lowland streams.
Growth requirements
- Light: medium (≈50-80 PAR at substrate)
- CO2: optional (CO2 improves growth and coloration)
- Temperature: 20-28 °C
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- Substrate: not required (rootless or free-floating)
- Nutrient demand: low
- Growth rate: slow
- Difficulty: intermediate
Placement
- Recommended placement: attached to wood or stone (epiphyte)
- Maximum height: 3 cm
- Trim every: 30 days
Propagation
In cultivation the plant is propagated by vegetative division or fragmentation.