Description
Riccia a popular liverwort in aqua scaping, is characterized by its bright green, bushy, thalloid plant body that forms dense mats or carpets when anchored to hardscape like rocks and driftwood. It thrives in medium to high light and can absorb excess nutrients, improving water quality. Riccia can float freely or be tied down, and regular trimming encourages bushier growth and makes it an excellent hiding place for fish fry and shrimp.
Appearance & Structure
Thalloid Structure:
Riccia is a thalloid plant, meaning it isn’t differentiated into roots, stems, or leaves.
Dichotomous Branching:
The plant body, called the thallus, grows in a prostrate (lying flat) manner and branches into lobes with a distinctive fork-like (dichotomous) pattern.
Dorsal Groove:
A longitudinal groove, known as the dorsal groove, runs along the upper surface of the thallus.
Scales & Rhizoids:
The lower surface has multicellular, often violet scales, and unicellular, hair-like rhizoids for attachment and absorption.
Aquatic Nature:
While some species are terrestrial, the commonly used aquarium species, Riccia fluitans, is an aquatic liverwort.
Growing Conditions
Light:
Prefers medium to high light, which promotes compact and lush growth.
Water Quality:
Benefits from nutrient-rich water and helps in absorbing excess nutrients, thus improving water quality.
CO₂:
Supplemental CO₂ is beneficial for enhanced growth and health but is not strictly necessary.
Temperature & pH:
Thrives in a wide range of temperatures (20-28°C) and prefers slightly acidic to neutral water (pH 6.0-7.5).
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