Tropical Fish Hobbyist

Import Report

Subwassertang Lomariopsis lineata Subwassertang is one of the most unusual plants used in aquariums today. It was apparently first introduced to the hobby in Germany and given the name Sußwassertang [suss-wasser-tang] for “freshwater seaweed,” which got mistransliterated as subwassertang with a “b” rather than the double “s.” The plant grows attached to wood or rock in tight clusters, similar to moss or liverwort. It has no roots or stems but roundish-shaped leaves that clump together. It reminds me of the bedding in Easter egg baskets. Subwassertang grows easily in the aquarium.

What makes it so unusual is it is not really an aquatic plant. In fact, it is not a fully developed plant at all. Some plants’ life cycles include different growth forms at various stages. Terrestrial ferns have an interesting cycle that includes spores, gametophytes, and sporophytes. In a way, a gametophyte is like the larval stage of an insect, which looks entirely different from the adult form. Subwassertang is actually the gametophyte stage of the tree-climbing fern Lomariopsis lineata.

Gametophytes normally have both male and female organs that produce eggs and sperm that unite to create the next growth cycle form, but for some unknown reason this gametophyte, which has been cultivated for the aquarium, is missing the female sex organs and, as a result, will never transform to the next growth stage and become a fern. The plant is cultivated in Asian plant farms and has become very popular in the Singapore and Taiwan markets. It has been exported to Europe and occasionally to the United States.

From an artistic standpoint, it has great potential and has been added to the growing list of mosses and liverworts that are highly sought after by hobbyists. It is easy to grow and maintain. Moderate (or better) light and

well-oxygenated water will encourage the plant to grow and spread, and higher CO levels will increase the growth rate. With a moderate growth

2 rate, it requires little maintenance and only needs to be occasionally thinned out. It is a low-profile plant that creates the look of a cushion.

To attach the plant, spread a clump across a rock or a piece of wood and wrap nylon thread around it a few times. Plastic or metal mesh can also be used. Be careful not to overdo the netting. Apply just enough to keep the plant in place.

Needle-Leaf Java Fern Microsorum pteropus

Microsorum, known as Java fern, has been one of the most popular plants in the hobby for decades. It is often recommended for aquariums with sub-standard lighting or other less-than-ideal conditions because of its hardiness and tolerance. In recent years, new variations of this plant have been discovered and cultivated in Asia. One such variation is known as the needle-leaf Java fern. The leaves grow long and quite narrow but arch over and flow freely in the current, unlike some larger narrow-leaf versions that just grow straight up. It easily attaches to wood and has a much faster growth rate than other forms of the plant.

Its small stature gives

Robert
HUDSON

the aquascaper more
flexibility in using the
photographs by the author plant for small tanks,
Robert Paul Hudson has been up to dense groups in
an avid hobbyist since childhood
and became interested in aquatic very large aquariums.
plants in the early 1990s.

Inspired by a love of gardening Its ease of keeping is passed on by his father and the

great encouragement for

writings of Takashi Amano and

Karen Randall, one planted newcomers to the hobby aquarium grew into dozens. In

1999, he started the website who may otherwise feel

www.aquabotanic.com, first as an educational tool, and

intimidated by more
then as a business. He enjoys complex plants.
keeping dwarf cichlids and North

American native fish. Robert now Java fern should not writes for numerous aquarium magazines and club newsletters, be planted in the gravel. striving to share his enthusiasm

The roots serve mostly

and love of the hobby.

as anchors to wood and

rock, and if buried the rhizome may eventually rot and kill the plant. Nutrients are absorbed by the leaves, so regular fertilization to the water column is needed. To attach the plant, simply wrap nylon thread around the rhizome (the thick horizontal root portion) to the object in such a way that the plant stands up straight, or it can be jammed into nooks and crannies.