Subwassertang (Lomariopsis lineata) Care Guide
A freshwater fern prothallium that forms flat, round bright-green lobes resembling a cross between a liverwort and lettuce.
Overview
Lomariopsis lineata is an aquatic plant in the family Lomariopsidaceae. A freshwater fern prothallium that forms flat, round bright-green lobes resembling a cross between a liverwort and lettuce. Easy to grow and excellent for shrimp tanks, as it provides abundant biofilm surfaces and hiding places for fry and invertebrates.
Taxonomy
- Family: Lomariopsidaceae
- Genus: Lomariopsis
- Scientific name: Lomariopsis lineata
- Other names: Lomariopsis Lineata, Round Pellia
Habitat
In aquaria the plant is cultivated as a free-floating fern prothallium (gametophyte) of uncertain species origin in the genus Lomariopsis, historically associated with tropical forest streams. The sporophyte form is rarely produced in cultivation.
Growth requirements
- Light: low (≈30-50 PAR at substrate)
- CO2: optional (CO2 improves growth and coloration)
- Temperature: 18-28 °C
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 2-15 °dGH
- Substrate: not required (rootless or free-floating)
- Nutrient demand: low
- Growth rate: slow
- Difficulty: beginner
Placement
- Recommended placement: attached to wood or stone (epiphyte)
- Maximum height: 5 cm
- Trim every: 21 days
Propagation
In cultivation the plant is propagated by vegetative division or fragmentation.