Subwassertang Shrimp Plant – Live Aquarium Plant

Create a natural feeding and hiding area for your freshwater shrimp with Subwassertang (Lomariopsis cf. lineata). This unusual aquarium plant forms beautiful clusters of soft, bright-green, ribbon-like growth that look fantastic in shrimp tanks, nano aquariums and planted freshwater setups.

Subwassertang is particularly popular with shrimp breeders because its dense growth provides excellent shelter for baby shrimp while offering a large surface area for beneficial biofilm to develop. Shrimp naturally spend time grazing through its delicate fronds, searching for microscopic food.

Easy to maintain and suitable for low-tech aquariums, Subwassertang grows without specialised substrate or added CO2. Simply position it amongst driftwood, rocks or aquarium decorations and allow it to develop into attractive green cushions.

Subwassertang – Plant Profile

• Common Name: Subwassertang, Süsswassertang, Round Pellia
• Scientific Identification: Lomariopsis cf. lineata (fern gametophyte)
• Plant Type: Rootless fern gametophyte
• Care Level: Easy
• Lighting: Low to medium
• CO2 Injection: Not required
• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
• Temperature: Approximately 20–28°C
• pH: Approximately 6.0–7.5, with some tolerance outside this range
• Placement: Foreground, midground, driftwood, rocks or shrimp breeding areas
• Propagation: Division of established clumps
• Suitable For: Shrimp tanks, nano aquariums, low-tech planted tanks and breeding setups

Why Subwassertang Is Perfect for Shrimp Tanks

One of the biggest advantages of Subwassertang is the natural habitat it creates for freshwater aquarium shrimp.

Its overlapping green fronds form sheltered spaces where newly hatched shrimplets can hide and feed. As the plant becomes established, biofilm develops across its surfaces, providing an additional natural grazing area for shrimp of all ages.

Subwassertang is particularly suitable for:

• Cherry Shrimp and other Neocaridina shrimp
• Crystal Shrimp and compatible Caridina shrimp
• Shrimp breeding and nursery aquariums
• Nano planted aquariums
• Peaceful freshwater community tanks

While Subwassertang provides useful natural grazing surfaces, shrimp still require a balanced diet. Explore our shrimp food range for suitable supplementary feeding options.

Easy-Care Aquarium Plant for Beginners

Subwassertang is an excellent choice for aquarists wanting attractive greenery without complicated plant care.

It grows well under low to moderate lighting and does not require pressurised CO2. Regular water changes and a balanced supply of nutrients are generally sufficient to maintain healthy growth.

Under suitable conditions, its green fronds gradually multiply into fuller, cushion-like clumps. Growth is usually relatively slow, making it easy to manage in smaller aquariums.

Because Subwassertang has no conventional roots, it does not need aquarium soil or root fertilisers. It takes up nutrients directly from the surrounding water.

How to Attach Subwassertang to Driftwood and Rocks

Subwassertang is versatile and can be used in several different ways when aquascaping your aquarium.

• Driftwood: Secure a small clump with fine aquarium-safe thread or mesh to create a natural green accent.
• Rocks: Position Subwassertang between stones or use mesh to hold it in place.
• Foreground: Arrange small portions in sheltered areas to form soft green clusters.
• Shrimp Breeding Tanks: Leave a loose clump in a gentle-flow area to provide shelter and grazing surfaces.

Subwassertang does not reliably attach itself like some aquarium mosses, so securing it or placing it in a sheltered crevice helps prevent it from drifting around the aquarium.

Visit our aquascaping supplies category for suitable driftwood, rocks and other materials to complete your layout.

Maintaining and Propagating Subwassertang

Subwassertang requires very little maintenance once established.

Keep the plant free from excessive debris and avoid placing it directly in strong water currents. Gentle water movement helps prevent waste from accumulating between the fronds.

To propagate Subwassertang, gently separate an established clump into smaller portions and position them elsewhere in your aquarium. Each healthy portion can gradually develop into a new cluster.

Unlike rooted aquarium plants, Subwassertang does not need to be trimmed or replanted in the conventional way. Simply remove excess growth or divide established clumps when required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Subwassertang good for shrimp?

Yes. Subwassertang is particularly useful in shrimp aquariums because it provides hiding places for baby shrimp and a large surface area where natural biofilm can develop for grazing.

Does Subwassertang need CO2?

No. Subwassertang grows successfully without additional CO2 injection and is suitable for low-tech freshwater aquariums.

Does Subwassertang need to be planted in substrate?

No. Subwassertang has no true roots and does not need to be buried in aquarium substrate. It can be kept loose, tucked into rockwork or secured to aquarium decorations.

Can Subwassertang grow in low light?

Yes. Subwassertang tolerates low-light conditions, although moderate lighting and balanced nutrients can encourage fuller, healthier growth.

How do you propagate Subwassertang?

Subwassertang propagates through division. Gently separate an established clump into smaller portions and position them in suitable areas of the aquarium.

Is Subwassertang a moss?

No. Although it is often grouped with aquarium mosses, Subwassertang is actually the gametophyte stage of a fern related to Lomariopsis. Its exact species identification remains uncertain.

Buy Subwassertang Shrimp Plant Online in Australia

Add natural texture, shelter and grazing areas to your freshwater aquarium with Subwassertang Shrimp Plant from Aquaholics Online.

Whether you're establishing a dedicated shrimp breeding tank or adding low-maintenance greenery to a planted aquarium, Subwassertang is a practical and attractive addition.

Aquaholics Online is based on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, and supplies live aquarium plants to eligible destinations across Australia.

Explore our complete live aquarium plants collection for more plants to complement your freshwater aquarium.