Variety of Java fern
Fishtail java fern
Leptochilus pteropus 'Fishtail'
One of 15 varieties of Leptochilus pteropus · See all varieties →
Also known as Microsorum pteropus 'Fishtail', Microsorum pteropus 'Fish Tail', Java fern Fishtail, Fish Tail java fern
FreshwaterBrackishRhizomeRhizome divisionPlantlets
Varieties · Leptochilus pteropus
See all 15 →
Care at a glance
- Light
- Low light
- CO2
- No CO₂ needed
- Temperature
- 64–82°F
- 18–28°C
- Max height
- 7.9 in
- 20 cm
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Placement
- Epiphyte
- Type
- Rhizome
- pH
- 5.0–7.5
- Hardness
- 2–15 dGH
- Spread
- 7.9 in (20 cm)
- Nutrient uptake
- Water column
- Growth region
- Submersed or emersed
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Family
- Polypodiaceae
- Origin
- Cultivated form (nursery selection, no wild range)
Overview
Fishtail java fern is a beginner java fern for the midground, reaching about 20 cm.
Did you know
Fishtail java fern shares its name with the houseplant fishtail fern, Microsorum punctatum 'Grandiceps'. That plant is a leathery fern 50 to 60 cm tall, grown in potting mix. Check the label for java fern or pteropus before buying one for a tank.
Caring for Fishtail java fern
Tie or glue Fishtail java fern to wood or rock, with the rhizome above the substrate so it does not rot. It takes 64 to 82°F (18 to 28°C) and also tolerates brackish water.
It grows slowly in low light with no CO2. It feeds from the water, and brighter light with a regular liquid fertilizer brings out the orange tips.
New plants tend to drop leaves after big swings in water or light, so change things gradually while it settles in. Detach plantlets once they have a few roots, or cut the rhizome into pieces with several leaves each.
Good to know
Fishtail is a cultivar of Leptochilus pteropus in the family Polypodiaceae, sold as Microsorum pteropus 'Fishtail' or 'Fish Tail'. Each narrow leaf splits once near the tip into two broad lobes shaped like a fish's tail fin. The blades are yellow-green with a dark brown midrib and netted veins, and the tips flush orange, amber or pink. Leaf shape and color vary from plant to plant, so the one you buy may not match the shop photo. Trident forks into several finger-like lobes along the leaf, and Windelov's tips break into fine lace.
In the wild
Fishtail java fern is a trade form with no known wild population and no recorded place of origin, though Nature Aquariums lists Indonesia. Glass Aqua has sold it since 2020. The parent species grows on rocks and roots in and beside shaded forest streams across Southeast Asia. It lives both underwater and above the waterline where its roots stay wet.
Common questions
Is Fishtail java fern a different species from java fern?
No. Fishtail java fern is a variety of java fern, Leptochilus pteropus. It reaches about 7.9 in (20 cm), against 11.8 in (30 cm) for the species.
Does Fishtail java fern need to be planted in the substrate?
No. Fishtail java fern grows attached to rock or wood, so tie or glue the rhizome in place. If you plant its roots, keep the rhizome above the substrate, since a buried rhizome rots.
Does Fishtail java fern need CO2?
No. Fishtail java fern grows well without added CO2 and suits a low-tech tank.
How much light does Fishtail java fern need?
Fishtail java fern is a low-light plant, and the light that comes with a standard tank kit is enough for it.
Does Fishtail java fern need root tabs?
No. Fishtail java fern feeds from the water, so a liquid fertilizer suits it better. Root tabs only help if its roots reach into the substrate.
How do you propagate Fishtail java fern?
Fishtail java fern propagates by rhizome division and plantlets. Cut the rhizome into pieces with several leaves each, then tie or plant each piece. Small plantlets form on the plant and can be detached once they have a few roots.
How tall does Fishtail java fern grow?
Fishtail java fern grows to about 7.9 in (20 cm) tall. It grows slowly and rarely needs trimming.