Fissidens nobilis Care Guide
Fissidens nobilis is a feathery freshwater moss from tropical Asia, grown attached to hardscape under low light in planted aquariums.
Overview
Fissidens nobilis is a moss of the family Fissidentaceae used as an epiphytic plant in freshwater aquariums. It is one of the larger Fissidens species, with leaves arranged in two rows that give the shoots a feather-like outline. It grows attached to rocks and wood and is reported to be uncommon in the hobby.
Taxonomy
- Family: Fissidentaceae
- Genus: Fissidens
- Scientific name: Fissidens nobilis
Origin
The species is native to warm-temperate to tropical Asia, with a range reported from India to Japan and extending to Indonesia and the Fiji Islands. Like other members of the genus, it occurs on rocks and wood in shaded, moist habitats.
Tank requirements
- Lighting: low
- CO2: not required, but supplementation supports growth
- Temperature: 18-26 °C (64-79 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.5
- GH: 2-14 °dGH
- Maximum height: about 5 cm
- Placement: epiphyte, attached to hardscape
Planting and care
Fissidens nobilis rarely attaches by itself, so it is tied or glued to driftwood or stones until its rhizoids anchor. Growth is very slow. Good water movement and full macro- and micronutrient supplementation help maintain healthy cushions. Light pruning encourages branching, and loosened mats may need reattachment over time.
Propagation
Propagation is by division: portions of an established cushion are separated and reattached to new surfaces, where they continue to spread.
Difficulty
It is rated intermediate to difficult. Slow growth and the need for stable parameters, nutrient supply and reattachment make it less forgiving than common, fast-growing mosses.