Mini Riccia fluitans (Crystalwort)

Tank Conditions & Fertilisation
Eventually I managed to get some fragments of the mini Riccia from Malaysia (18th Aug 2006). Unfortunately, 99.9% of the plant died during postage (1 week journey). But after about two months, I found some minute fragments emerged (as shown in the photos below) floating in my 8L Tiger shrimp tank with 11W compact fluorescence light and CO2 supply (DIY yeast culture). Water pH is about 7, KH ~7.8 and GH ~16 (typical London tap water) and temperature about 22-24C. I dose the tank every other day with very small doses of Seachem Excel, Fluorish, Iron, Potassium and Trace. I prepare a 500ml bottle of Seachem mix for the ease of dosing. Below are some photos comparing the normal Riccia and the mini-Riccia. I think the mini-Riccia is at least 10-times smaller than the normal Riccia! Now lets hope the remaining fragments manage to grow up!

A small fragment of ‘Mini’ Riccia on my index finger.

A small fragment of ‘Mini’ Riccia on my index finger.

A  fragment of ’Normal’ Riccia on my index finger.

Comparing the ‘Normal’ and the ‘Mini’ Riccia obviously shows that the Mini Riccia is a lot smaller than the normal Riccia! I would say it is about 10-times smaller! Perhaps ‘Dwarf’ Riccia would be a more appropriate name!