Fissidens fontanus

Fissidens fontanus — sometimes sold as 'Phoenix Moss' — is one of the most visually impressive aquatic mosses available, producing bright-green, feathery fronds with a distinctive comb-like arrangement of tiny paired leaves along each stem. The fronds attach firmly to smooth surfaces including glass, polished stones, and fine driftwood, creating a remarkably clean, precise appearance.

Native to North American streams, F. fontanus prefers cool, well-oxygenated water and benefits from supplemental CO2, though it will grow without it at reduced speed. It is more temperature-sensitive than most aquarium mosses, performing best at 18–24°C. In warm tropical tanks above 28°C, growth may stall.

F. fontanus is a go-to choice for high-end aquascapes where exceptional moss quality is desired. Its clean, structured form is effective as a foreground carpet on smooth stones, as foreground edging along hardscape, or as a detailed accent on fine driftwood branches in nature aquascapes.