Fissidens Fontanus Live Aquatic Moss Plant

A delicate, feathery aquarium moss for aquascaping and planted tanks

$11.99 USD

Usually ships in 1-2 business days from our fulfillment center

Fissidens Fontanus is one of our favorite aquarium mosses! This delicate gem features rich green hues and soft, feathery fronds. It is a very delicate live moss that may look matted when balled up, but once it attaches to aquarium driftwood or stones—it really shines, offering a unique texture that sets it apart from other aquatic mosses.

Fissidens moss is easy to care for and doesn't demand much in exchange for fluffy growth. Like all plants, its form and growth speed is noticeably different with CO2 injection and moderate lighting. However, it won't fuss if kept in low light or low-tech planted tanks. When established, it forms fuzzy, cushioned patches that offer excellent hiding spots for tiny freshwater livestock like shrimplets and fry. So, if you're looking for a low-maintenance aquarium plant for your aquascape that doesn't skimp on texture and, try Fissidens! You'll soon see for yourself why its a moss every aquascaper loves.

Plant Care & Information

Common Name(s)	Fissidens, Phoenix Moss
Plant Type	Moss
Care Level	Easy
Lighting	Low to Medium
CO2	Recommended
Growth Rate	Slow
Suggested Placement	Attached to Hardscape
Height / Size	1-2"+
Propagation	Separate & Attach

Aquarium plants can vary in growth form and may require time to transition to your aquarium environment, whether grown submerged or emersed. This transition period is a natural part of establishing healthy, long-term growth in planted aquariums.

From carpeting plants in the foreground to stem plants and larger species used in the midground or background, each plant offers a unique contribution to a balanced and natural aquascape. As plants adapt, it is normal to see minor changes such as leaf melt, color shifts, or new growth patterns as they settle into their new conditions.

We carefully inspect and prepare all live aquatic plants prior to shipping. While we do our best to minimize hitchhikers, we cannot guarantee plants to be completely pest or snail-free unless tissue culture options are selected.

Because live plants are perishable, some signs of transit stress may occur, including leaf loss or cosmetic damage. These are typically temporary and when when healthy roots are present, most plants will recover with proper care.

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Aquarium mosses are highly adaptable plants valued for their texture and organic appearance. They are commonly used to soften hardscape gaps, or form detailed features such as moss-covered wood, rock accents, or tree-inspired layouts.

Moss can be attached to any porous surface using thread or aquarium-safe glue, where it will gradually grow and spread across the surface. It can also be left loose or floating for a more unstructured look. With careful trimming, moss is versatile and can be shaped as desired. (We recommend turning your filter off temporarily for trimming to control its spread)

Mosses grow best in stable conditions and clean water, and are well suited for both low-tech and high-tech planted aquariums. Their dense growth provides excellent cover for shrimp and small fish, making them both a functional and aesthetic addition to a wide range of aquascapes.

How Our Moss Is Grown and Sold
Our aquarium mosses are cultivated in different ways depending on the variety. Loose moss is typically grown floating in holding tanks. Moss grown on stainless steel mesh is pre-attached and naturally flatter, making it easier to use for moss walls, carpets, or attaching directly to hardscape.

Lost in the Moss: A Beginner's Guide to Aquarium Moss

With so many species of aquarium moss in the hobby, it can be overwhelming (in a good way) to pick which one works perfectly for your planted tank. You’d think it’s just moss, but each type provides a different look and overall effect when added to an aquascape! So, we’ll be covering six different types of aquatic mosses that are all popular and worthy of being added to your aquarium. We’ll start with Java Moss and work our way through Christmas Moss, Mini Christmas Moss, Spikey Moss, Peacock Moss, and Weeping Moss. For starters, the photo below depicts a single frond of each, in that order.

Aquarium moss is a staple for a reason! It can be attached to driftwood, rocks, or used to cover gaps in an existing hardscape layout. Common methods for attaching include using cotton thread (we like this one) or aquarium-safe glue. Moss is pretty indestructible, and basic care guidelines include keeping temperatures comfy (below 74°F) and keeping your water clean. That’s the bare minimum. If you want to do more, treat it the same as regular aquatic plants, and you’ll soon find its growth exploding!

Java Moss

Taxiphyllum barbieri / Vesicularia Dubyana

Growth Style: Irregular, stringy, bushy
Lighting: Low-light tolerant
CO2: Optional. CO2 encourages fuller growth
Best Uses: Beginner tanks, fry/shrimplet shelter, moss walls, covering hardscape
Care Tips: Ultra forgiving. Trim regularly to maintain shape and prevent overgrowth

Christmas Moss

Vesicularia Montagnei

Growth Style: Flat, triangular “christmas tree” fronds
Lighting: Medium light recommended
CO2: Recommended. CO2 helps it spread
Best Uses: Tied to driftwood or aquarium rocks in nature‑style layouts
Care Tips: Slower growth. Prune to shape and reduce algae

Mini Christmas Moss

Vesicularia Montagnei ‘Mini’

Growth Style: Compact, dense, fine triangular pattern, brighter green color
Lighting: Medium to high light
CO2: Recommended. Improves color and ramifying growth (denser and thicker!)
Best Uses: Nano aquariums, foreground carpets
Care Tips: Trim gently. Slow-growing variety but remains neat

Shop Spiky Moss Large Mat Aquatic Plants - Glass Aqua

Spiky Moss

Taxiphyllum sp. 'Spiky'

Growth Style: Bold, upward-branching “pine-needle” tufts
Lighting: Medium to high light
CO2: Recommended. Improves color and ramifying growth (denser and thicker!)
Best Uses: Midground flora, vertical aquascaping
Care Tips: Prune for airflow and to maintain shape. Grows fast in stable conditions

Shop Weeping Moss Aquatic Plants - Glass Aqua

Weeping Moss

Vesicularia ferriei

Growth Style: Cascading, downward‑hanging fleshy fronds (like a mini waterfall)
Lighting: Medium to high light
CO2: Recommended. Improves frond density and cascading flow effect
Best Uses: Driftwood "cliffs" or overhanging portions for a curtain, trailing waterfall effect
Care Tips: Train downward; prune clean edges to highlight its weeping habit

Peacock Moss

Taxiphyllum sp. 'Peacock'

Growth Style: Tufted, horizontal growth
Lighting: Low to medium
CO2: Recommended. Improves frond density and color
Best Uses: Attached to driftwood and providing coverage
Care Tips: Prefers neutral to slightly acidic pH

Anchor Moss

Vesicularia sp. Anchor

Growth Style: Triangular spread, compact growth
Lighting: medium
CO2: Recommended. Improves health, color and keeps compact
Best Uses: Attached to driftwood or for forest-inspired aquascapes
Care Tips: Stable water parameters, CO2 injection, moderate lighting

Mini Taiwan Moss

Taxiphyllum alternans

Growth Style: Over-hanging growth with dense ramification
Lighting: medium
CO2: Recommended. Improves health, color and keeps compact
Best Uses: Attached to driftwood and stones
Care Tips: Stable water parameters, CO2 injection

Shop Flame Moss Aquatic Plants - Glass Aqua

Flame Moss

Taxiphyllum sp. 'Flame'

Growth Style: Upward, spiraling growth, twisted pattern
Lighting: Low to medium
CO2: Recommended. Improves health and color
Best Uses: Attached to driftwood to create tufts and hedges of live moss
Care Tips: Trim regularly to maintain height

Fissidens Fontanus live aquatic moss growing on natural aquascaping stones

Fissidens Fontanus

Fissidens Fontanus

Growth Style: Puffy, tufted growth with feathery fronds
Lighting: Low to medium
CO2: Recommended. Improves health and color
Best Uses: Attached to driftwood and creates cushioned patches
Care Tips: Prefers cooler waters, consistent flow

Close-up shot of live aquatic moss for planted tanks

Willow Moss

Fontinalis antipyretica

Growth Style: Flowing , feathery growth
Lighting: Low to medium
CO2: Recommended. Improves health and color
Best Uses: Attached to driftwood and creating a willow-like appearance
Care Tips: Prefers cooler waters, consistent flow

Explore All Aquarium MOSS

Shipping
Orders are typically processed within 1-2 business days M-F. However, additional time may be required during peak seasons and federal holidays. For orders containing live plants, we exercise extra caution and assess factors such as travel distance and weather to ensure safe transit.

To avoid delays, please ensure all order information is accurate and complete. We cannot offer refunds and are not responsible for orders shipped to incorrect addresses due to errors in provided information. Once an order has been shipped, delivery times are determined by the carrier and are outside of our control. On average, shipments arrive within 2–5 business days, excluding weekends and holidays. For more information, please visit our FAQ page.

Returns
If you are not satisfied with your purchase, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery. Approved returns must be shipped back within 14 days of approval. Returned items must be unused, unopened, and in their original packaging. Specific return requirements, if applicable, will be listed on the product’s page. For more information, please visit our FAQ page.

Refunds
No worries, we’ll take care of everything as long as it fits the guidelines above.Most answers to general questions can be found on our FAQ page.