Callicostella prabaktiana

Datasheet

General Description

Callicostella prabaktiana, a member of the Pilotrichaceae family, is a creeping moss found widely across Asian tropics. It typically grows on wet rocks and shaded riverbanks. This species bears resemblance to Callicostella papillata but can be distinguished by the absence of papillae on leaf cells and a less serrated leaf margin in the tip area. Its shoots are irregularly ramified with flat leaf patterns, somewhat akin to Vesicularia species. Noteworthy features include a thick double midrib nearly reaching the leaf tip, roundish thick-walled leaf cells, and tongue-shaped shortly acute leaf form.

Aquarium Suitability

While Callicostella prabaktiana is rarely available commercially and not well-known as an aquarium moss, it is deemed suitable for aquariums. It has been imported from Thailand to Germany, where it was identified by botanical experts.

Demands and Hardiness

This moss exhibits very slow growth when cultivated submersed, yet it appears to be quite undemanding, making it suitable for aquarists seeking an easy-to-care-for option. Its growth habit makes it particularly interesting as an epiphytic plant that tightly attaches to substrates using its rhizoids. When secured to rocks or driftwood, Callicostella prabaktiana forms a dense mat-like structure.

Aquascaping & Usage

In aquariums, this moss can be used as an epiphyte, growing on hardscapes like rocks or driftwood. It is also suitable for nano tanks, adding a unique aesthetic to small aquatic environments.

Propagation

Callicostella prabaktiana can be propagated through splitting or by cutting off daughter plants, making it relatively easy to expand its presence in an aquarium setup.

Habitat and Distribution

With a natural habitat spanning Asian tropics, Callicostella prabaktiana thrives in environments such as wet rocks and shaded riverbanks. Its specific distribution includes regions where conditions are conducive to its growth, allowing it to flourish in its preferred habitats.