Moss comparison
Peacock Moss vs Riccia / Crystalwort
How the Peacock Moss and Riccia / Crystalwort compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which moss suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Peacock Moss vs Riccia / Crystalwort
The Peacock Moss and the Riccia / Crystalwort come up together a lot when people are choosing a moss, and they are close enough to weigh side by side. Both are happy somewhere around 20 to 26 °C and pH 6 to 7.5, so a single tank can suit either one. The Peacock Moss is the more forgiving of the two, which matters if this is an early tank, while the Riccia / Crystalwort rewards a bit more attention. Read the full care notes on each below and pick the one whose look and pace fit the tank you're building.
Group compatibility overview
Excellent fit
Every key parameter overlaps and no major conflicts surfaced.
1 note
Temperature
- Peacock Moss20–26 °C
- Riccia / Crystalwort20–26 °C
pH
- Peacock Moss5.5–7.5
- Riccia / Crystalwort6–7.5
What to plan for
- Demanding species presentRiccia / Crystalwort are difficulty 4+. Stable parameters and weekly maintenance are non-negotiable.
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  MossPeacock MossTaxiphyllum sp. 'Peacock' |  MossRiccia / CrystalwortRiccia fluitans |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Moss | Moss |
| Origin | Asia | Worldwide temperate |
| Family | Hypnaceae | Ricciaceae |
| Temperature | 20–26 °C | 20–26 °C |
| pH | 5.5–7.5 | 6.0–7.5 |
| Flow rate | Low to Medium | Low to Medium |
| Difficulty | 3 / 5 | 4 / 5 |
| Light | Medium | High |
| CO₂ | Recommended | Required |
| Growth rate | Slow to Medium | Fast |
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Can you keep Peacock Moss and Riccia / Crystalwort together?
Yes. Their temperature and pH ranges overlap around 20 to 26 °C and pH 6 to 7.5, so one set of water conditions keeps both comfortable. Match group sizes and cover the usual planted-tank basics and they share a tank fine.
Which is easier to keep, the Peacock Moss or the Riccia / Crystalwort?
The Peacock Moss is the easier of the two, closer to middle-of-the-road, while the Riccia / Crystalwort leans demanding.
Do Peacock Moss and Riccia / Crystalwort need the same water?
Close to it. Aim for 20 to 26 °C and pH 6 to 7.5 and you're in the shared sweet spot for both. Full ranges are in the table above.
What's the main difference between the Peacock Moss and the Riccia / Crystalwort?
It comes down to look, size and pace rather than one being flatly better. The table above lays the numbers out row by row.