Subwassertang (commonly attributed to Lomariopsis lineata, though the exact taxonomy remains discussed in the hobby) is a freshwater aquatic plant with a growth form unlike anything else in the catalog -- flat, broadly rounded lobes that overlap in an irregular, loosely branching mass resembling a miniature liverwort or flattened fern in a way that is clearly distinct from needle-like moss fronds, divided fern leaves, or any stem plant structure. It is the most unusual-looking plant in the shrimp tank catalog and also one of the most practically valuable: the overlapping lobe structure creates sheltered micro-environments between surfaces where biofilm accumulates at a density and diversity that flat-surface plants cannot match, and the enclosed interior spaces of a developed Subwassertang mass are large enough for adult shrimp to navigate through but fine enough to provide complete physical concealment for shrimplets within the first days of their lives. It can be floated at the surface, weighted at mid-depth, or pressed against hardscape where it anchors slowly over several weeks. Fully safe with all Neocaridina, Caridina, and snails.
Not RequiredCO2
65-80FTemperature
Low-MedLighting
What to Expect
Structure, Biofilm and Growth
Flat rounded lobes in an overlapping irregular mass -- unlike any other aquatic plant -- each Subwassertang frond is a flat, broadly rounded lobe -- smooth-edged and clearly rounded rather than pointed, needle-like, or divided. The lobes grow in overlapping layers from branching points, building a mass that is visually unlike any moss, fern, or stem plant and that is immediately recognisable at a glance as something outside the usual planted tank plant vocabulary. The visual interest of Subwassertang as a planted tank element is as much in its unusual structure as in its function.
The densest interior biofilm of any plant in the catalog -- the sheltered micro-environments between the overlapping lobe surfaces accumulate biofilm at a density that exceeds what exposed flat plant surfaces can produce. Shrimp work continuously between the lobe layers, disappearing into the mass for extended foraging sessions. Shrimplets in particular spend large portions of their first weeks inside the interior of a Subwassertang mass, where biofilm density is highest and physical concealment is most complete.
Exceptional shrimplet shelter -- interior spaces are sized for the youngest juveniles -- the gaps between overlapping lobes in a developed Subwassertang mass are large enough for shrimplets to navigate but small enough to provide genuine physical concealment from the open tank. A newly released shrimplet entering a Subwassertang mass disappears from view almost immediately -- the mass provides the most complete concealment structure available in the catalog for animals at the scale of newly released Neocaridina and Caridina juveniles.
Floats, anchors at mid-depth, or attaches loosely to hardscape -- flexible placement -- Subwassertang does not produce firm rhizoid attachment structures like moss and anchors to hardscape only loosely and slowly over several weeks. It is most practically used as a floating mass at the surface, weighted loosely to mid-depth with a small stone or plant weight, or pressed against a hardscape surface and held in place initially with cotton thread until partial attachment develops.
Grows more slowly than Java Moss -- patience for full mass development -- Subwassertang grows at a measured pace, adding new lobes from growing tips over weeks rather than spreading visibly week to week. A newly introduced portion takes three to five weeks to begin clearly expanding before entering a steadier growth phase. The slow initial pace is normal and expected.
How to Set It Up
Getting Started
1Float at surface or weight loosely to mid-depth for easiest initial placement -- floating Subwassertang at the surface where it forms a spreading mat is the simplest introduction method requiring no attachment work. Alternatively, attach a small plant weight to a portion of the mass and lower it to mid-depth where it provides a floating mid-water shelter structure.
2For hardscape attachment, secure with cotton thread and allow three to six weeks -- press the mass against the target hardscape surface and wrap loosely with cotton thread to maintain contact. Partial attachment develops over three to six weeks -- significantly slower than Java Moss. Leave undisturbed during this period.
3Low to medium light -- excess light encourages algae inside the dense lobe structure -- algae establishing between the overlapping lobes of Subwassertang is difficult to remove once present. Consistent low to medium light prevents algae establishment while supporting steady lobe development.
4Fertilise lightly and consistently -- balanced liquid fertiliser two to three times weekly. Subwassertang is not a heavy feeder but consistent low-level nutrition produces more even lobe development than intermittent fertilisation.
Bonus TipA floating mass of Subwassertang in a breeding tank or shrimplet rearing setup -- left to form a spreading surface mat at the water interface -- creates the most productive combination of surface shelter, mid-water concealment, and biofilm food source achievable with a single plant. Newly released shrimplets rise into the underside of the floating mat and immediately have access to the richest biofilm surface in the tank combined with complete concealment from the open water below. In a dedicated breeding setup, a Subwassertang mat at the surface alongside Cholla Wood on the substrate provides complete coverage of the vertical range from substrate to surface with complementary shelter structures at every level.
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Browse more aquatic plantsPair Subwassertang with Java Moss, Cholla Wood, or Alder Cones for a complete shrimplet-ready setup. Browse our Aquatic Plants collection.
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