Lomariopsis lineata
Technically the gametophyte stage of an aquatic fern, not a true moss. Forms dark green ruffled mats. Hardy and undemanding, a stealth favourite among aquascapers.
Süßwassertang / Mini Pellia (Lomariopsis lineata) is a aquatic fern gametophyte (treated as moss) aquatic moss native to Tropical (origin unclear; first found in aquarium trade). Light: low to medium. CO₂: optional. Growth rate: medium. Target 20–26 °C and pH 5.5–7.5. Attach via wedge into crevices or tie under mesh. Typical use: crevice fillers and lush dark green carpets. Trimming: Trim with scissors every 4–6 weeks
Care at a glance
Technically the gametophyte stage of an aquatic fern, not a true moss. Forms dark green ruffled mats. Hardy and undemanding, a stealth favourite among aquascapers.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated 1 min read
Part of our complete guide to aquatic mosses.
The parameters that decide whether süßwassertang / mini pellia fits in your tank.
Lomariopsidaceae
Aquatic fern gametophyte (treated as moss)
Wedge into crevices or tie under mesh
Crevice fillers and lush dark green carpets
Trim with scissors every 4–6 weeks
A liverwort gametophyte, origin uncertain; cultivated worldwide
Tropical (origin unclear; first found in aquarium trade)
Tank-mate safety and the species this one is documented to thrive (or fail) alongside.
Hard-won lessons from the tank.
Stealth favourite among advanced aquascapers. Forms dense dark green mats in cool corners and rock crevices. No CO₂ required for steady growth. Slower than Java but more ornamental.
What can go wrong and how to spot it.
Failure modes, in order of how dramatic the fix is.
Less algae-prone than mosses but still possible.
1) Burying it — it has no roots and rots in substrate. 2) Confusing with true Riccardia 'mini pellia' (different plant). 3) Expecting fast growth — it's a slow steady creeper.
The practical routine, read top to bottom.
Wedge into crevices or tie under mesh. Floats otherwise — no roots or rhizoids.
Low to medium light, CO₂ optional. Hardy across parameters.
Where it comes from, how it behaves, and the variants you'll see at retail.
Where it lived before it came home.
Tropical aquariums (origin unclear — first found in trade, not in the wild). Genetic studies identify it as a gametophyte of an aquatic fern, not a true moss or liverwort.
Cannot grow emersed — purely submerged.
The named cultivars and the lookalikes worth flagging.
Standard form.
Dark green ruffled thallus that forms loose clumps. Looks like a miniature head of lettuce.
Often mislabelled as a moss (it's a fern). 'Mini Pellia' is a colloquial name confusing it with Riccardia chamedryfolia (a different liverwort).
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Attachment: Wedge into crevices or tie under mesh Typical aquascaping use: Crevice fillers and lush dark green carpets
CO₂: optional. Light: low to medium. Growth rate: medium.
Süßwassertang / Mini Pellia (Lomariopsis lineata) tolerates 20–26 °C and pH 5.5–7.5. Flow: low to medium.
Trim with scissors every 4–6 weeks
Difficulty: 2/5. Forgiving, beginner-friendly once the tank is cycled.
A planted tank is a system. Pair this moss with one entry from each other pillar to plan the whole scape.
