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Asian Liverwort (Monosolenium tenerum) is a rare, but very popular and attractive species of liverwort for the freshwater aquarium


Monosolenium tenerum
photo credit: Aquatic Arts

The Asian Liverwort (Monosolenium tenerum), sometimes called the Pellia, is a rare but highly sought-after freshwater aquarium liverwort. Because of its low light requirements and ease of maintenance, this is an excellent plant to keep in any freshwater aquarium. During the summer, shrimp and fish fry love to hide in the bushy patches that it forms. As an added benefit, it can be used to cultivate microorganisms such as infusoria and biofilm. Asian liverwort is one of the fastest-growing low-light mosses and fern gametophytes in the aquarium once it is established. It is, in fact, necessary to trim it as it grows, or the older parts of the plant will die or wither away. As a bonus, trimming this plant will also prevent it from overtaking slower-growing plants.

A solid stainless steel mat form of this moss makes it easy to attach to rocks, driftwood, or aquarium walls and substrate and begin propagating. There may be pest snails or other terrestrial bugs present because it is grown outdoors in Taiwan (the bugs will not survive or reproduce underwater).

Even though it doesn't require any additional care, this plant can benefit from CO2 supplementation, just like any other plant. Unlike many other mosses, Seachem Flourish Excel typically has a positive effect on it. Many aquarists have found success with Asian Liverwort simply by maintaining a well-cared-for aquarium without the use of any supplement.

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References

Asian Liverwort (Monosolenium tenerum) is a rare, but very popular and attractive species of liverwort for the freshwater aquarium
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