TankBud

Fissidens nobilis

Also known as Giant Fissidens, Fissidens japonicus, Fissidens sp. Japan

FreshwaterMossDivisionFragmentation

Fissidens nobilis (Fissidens nobilis)
Aquarium Plants Factory · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Light
Low light
CO2
CO₂ beneficial
Temperature
64–79°F
18–26°C
Max height
1.6 in
4 cm
Growth rate
Slow
Placement
Epiphyte
Type
Moss
pH
5.0–7.0
Hardness
0–10 dGH
Spread
3.9 in (10 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Water column
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Difficult
Family
Fissidentaceae
Origin
Subtropical and tropical Asia and Oceania (China, Japan, Korea, India, Southeast Asia, Pacific Islands)

Overview

Fissidens nobilis is a slow-growing moss for covering rock and wood in a cool, soft-water tank. It is a demanding plant and is rated difficult.

Did you know

Fissidens nobilis can push up tiny reddish spore capsules on stalks under good conditions. Most aquarists never see them, because the moss so rarely reaches that stage underwater.

Caring for Fissidens nobilis

Attach Fissidens nobilis to rock or wood in a thin layer, using thread or a dab of superglue. Never plant it in the substrate.

It is a shade-dwelling moss and needs only low light, but it does much better with added CO2. It feeds from the water, so a liquid fertilizer suits it. Give it soft, acidic water and cool, stable temperatures of 64 to 79°F (18 to 26°C), since it sulks when kept warmer.

Growth is very slow. Propagate it by splitting a patch and reattaching the pieces, and any fragments that break off will keep growing.

The dense fronds trap detritus. Baste them clean during water changes, or hair algae can move in and smother the moss.

Good to know

Fissidens nobilis is a true moss, in the division Bryophyta and the family Fissidentaceae. Its two-ranked leaves give the fronds a flat, fern-like look rather than the tangle of Java or Christmas moss. It has also been sold as Fissidens japonicus and Fissidens sp. Japan, which the hobby treats as the same plant. Like any moss it has no true roots, so it clings by rhizoids and absorbs water and nutrients directly through its surface.

In the wild

Fissidens nobilis grows across subtropical and tropical Asia and Oceania, from China, Japan, Korea and India through Southeast Asia to the Pacific islands. It lives on wet rock and wood beside streams and waterfalls, either partly submerged or emersed in constantly damp spots. It is one of the larger, more robust Fissidens species, which is why the trade often calls it giant Fissidens.

Common questions

Does Fissidens nobilis need to be planted in the substrate?

No. Fissidens nobilis grows on rock or wood rather than in the substrate. Tie it on with cotton thread or fishing line, or use gel superglue, until it anchors itself.

Does Fissidens nobilis need CO2?

No, but it helps. Fissidens nobilis can grow without injected CO2, and added CO2 makes it grow faster.

How much light does Fissidens nobilis need?

Fissidens nobilis is a low-light plant, and the light that comes with a standard tank kit is enough for it.

How do you propagate Fissidens nobilis?

Fissidens nobilis propagates by division and fragmentation. Pull a clump apart into smaller pieces and tie each one down. Pieces that break off keep growing, so pulling a clump apart spreads it.

How tall does Fissidens nobilis grow?

Fissidens nobilis grows to about 1.6 in (4 cm) tall. It grows slowly.

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