Fissidens zippelianus

Fissidens zippelianus is a pocket moss whose name is treated as a synonym of Fissidens crispulus; it has been kept in aquaria since around 2004.¹² The species is widespread in the Old World tropics from Africa to Malesia and grows on soil or rock at springs and wet sites.¹² Under water the delicate shoots grow upright and reach up to about 3.5 cm, while their lanceolate leaves are only around 2 mm long.¹³ Translucent nodules in the leaf axils are characteristic.¹²

In the aquarium the slow-growing, warmth-loving moss can be attached to wood or stone; it propagates by branching.¹³ The trade name “Zipper Moss” is considered inappropriate, as the species name refers to the collector Zippelius.¹

1. Kasselmann, C. (2019): Aquarienpflanzen. 4th edition (German). - Ulmer Verlag, Stuttgart: p. 350.
2. Fissidens crispulus var. crispulus – Moss Flora of China, eFloras.org (accessed 5 October 2026)
3. Fissidens crispulus – Flowgrow aquatic plant database (accessed 5 October 2026)