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Fissidens Nobilis (Fissidens nobilis)

Fissidens nobilis grows in flat, feathery fronds that look less like typical aquarium moss and more like miniature ferns carpeting a stone — among the most refined textures available for hardscape. It is undemanding in low light without CO2, just genuinely slow, and unlike stringy mosses it holds its tidy shape with almost no trimming. Its fronds brown in warm water, so keep the tank under about 78°F for the healthiest growth.

Care specifications

TypeMoss
DifficultyEasy
LightLow (10–35 µmol PAR)
CO2Beneficial, not required
Fertilizer demandLow
Growth rateSlow
Max height3 in
Spread6 in
PlacementForeground, Epiphyte
Attaches to hardscapeYes
Snail & shrimp safeYes
Temperature65–78 °F
pH6–7.5
ColorGreen
TrimmingMinimal
StylesNature, Jungle, Biotope

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Fissidens Nobilis

Fissidens Nobilis Moss MAT (Fissidens Nobilis)

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Propagation

Divide an established pad and tie or glue the fragments to new hardscape; any healthy frond cluster regrows.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Fissidens take to attach and fill in?

Longer than Java or Christmas Moss — plan on one to two months for its rhizoids to grip the hardscape and several more for a lush pad. Tie it firmly with thread or use gel superglue on dry stone, keep some gentle flow over it, and resist rearranging while it anchors.

Why is my Fissidens collecting algae?

Slow growth plus fine fronds make it an algae magnet under too much light. Keep it shaded or under genuinely low light, maintain good flow so debris does not settle, and let amano shrimp graze it — they clean the fronds without damaging them.

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