🌿 Microsorum pteropus ‘Lionfish’ – Exotic Java Fern with Fin-Like Fronds

Microsorum pteropus ‘Lionfish’, also known as Java Fern Lionfish, is an exotic and captivating cultivar of the classic Java Fern that brings a bold, ornamental flair to freshwater aquascapes. Named for its elegant, finely dissected leaves that resemble the fins of a lionfish, this variety displays a dramatic texture and silhouette that stands out in any aquarium layout.

At Aquarium Plants Factory, we grow this plant emersed in our nursery to ensure strong, healthy starts. Once transitioned to submerged growth, Lionfish flourishes in low- to moderate-light tanks and develops into a stunning focal plant. Its deep green, ribboned foliage not only enhances visual depth but also offers shelter and refuge for shrimp, fry, and small fish.

Java Fern Lionfish is a rhizome plant and should be attached to rocks, driftwood, or decor rather than planted in substrate. Its slow growth rate, combined with its adaptability and low care demands, makes it an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists seeking a distinctive botanical accent.

🌟 Key Features:

• Striking Leaf Structure: Finely divided, serrated leaves resemble lionfish fins

• Deep Green Coloration: Adds bold contrast to fish and aquatic plants

• Attachable Rhizome Plant: Best mounted on stone, wood, or decor—no soil needed

• Low Maintenance: Thrives in low to medium lighting without CO₂

• Excellent Shelter: Dense foliage provides hiding spots for shrimp and small fish

🔎 Botanical Information:

• Scientific Name: Microsorum pteropus ‘Lionfish’

• Synonyms: Leptochilus pteropus ‘Lionfish’

• Common Names: Java Fern Lionfish

• Plant Type: Rhizome plant

• Placement: Attach to driftwood, stone, or hardscape

• Growth Rate: Slow

• Lighting: Low to Medium

• Origin: Southeast Asia

💡 Optimal Growing Conditions:

• Lighting: Low to medium light—enhances leaf detail without promoting algae

• CO₂ & Fertilization: CO₂ is not required; occasional fertilization supports healthy growth

• Water Parameters:

  • pH: 6.0–7.5

  • Temperature: 68–82°F (20–28°C)

  • Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

  • Can tolerate slightly brackish conditions

🌱 Growth & Propagation:

• CO₂ Requirement: Not required

• Nutrient Substrate: Not required

• Can Grow Emersed: Yes

• Propagation Method: Rhizome division

📦 What You’ll Receive:

Sold as loose bare-root plants, bunched plants, or potted plants:

• Bare-root Plants: Approximately 3+ leaf portion, loose rhizome

• Bunched Plants: Approximately 3+ leaf portion bundled with foam and plant weight

• Potted Plants: Approximately 3+ leaf portion, potted in rockwool and net pot

⚠️ Disclaimer:

Photos are sample representations. Actual plants may vary in size, shape, or coloration. Unless otherwise specified, we do not guarantee plants are free of pests, pesticides, or exclusively submerged-grown.

🚫 State Restrictions Notice ♻️ Be a Responsible Aquatic Plants Owner

Never release Java Fern Lionfish—or any aquarium plant—into natural waterways. Always dispose of trimmings and unwanted portions responsibly to protect local ecosystems.

 WHAT WE GUARANTEE

24 Hours Live Arrival Guarantee* - In a rare case of live stocks dead on arrival, we must be notified within 24 hours by the same day of delivery. Please take clear photos of the damaged product and send it to us within 24 hours.  Live Arrival Guarantee will be void after 24 hours of delivery. All replacements are considered final and we will not replace the replacement.

1. Picture requirements: Take at least 2 clear photos of damaged product in their original, unopened & sealed transparent packing and send photos and orders information to our email within 24 hours: aquariumplantsfactory@gmail.com 
2. Please do not take picture of damaged plants, or animals in your aquarium. Once they have been introduced to your aquarium's ecosystem. It is no longer covered by our guarantee.

Please be aware that our Live Arrival Guarantee is subject to certain conditions. Specifically, the guarantee will not be applicable in cases where the package is marked as 'invalid address', 'undeliverable' or is 'returned to sender.' This includes situations such as a vacant delivery address, a missing apartment number, or any other issues that prevent the postal service from delivering your package.

It is crucial to provide accurate and complete shipping information to ensure the successful delivery of your order and the applicability of the Live Arrival Guarantee.

Please keep in mind that Live Arrival Guarantee only guarantees that live stocks will be alive upon arrival. We cannot guarantee that you will continue to have success with them. Many factors, including the aquarium environment, water quality, nutrient, temperature, lighting, filter, and CO2 system, can contribute to the failure to grow live plants and live animals.

WHAT WE CAN'T GUARANTEE

Even though our plants are very clean, but we can't guarantee they will be 100% pest-free because we cannot be responsible for your aquarium. Please use it at your own risk. We recommended all customers rinse the plants with clean water and quarantine them before use.

However, plants in tissue culture will be 100% free from pests, algae and never have been contacting with any aquarium.

1. Due to the nature of the product. We don't guarantee our plants will be pests free. ( snails, algae, hitchhikers )
2. We don't guarantee our plants will be free of pesticides. We use homemade, organic pesticides in our greenhouse to control pests. We do not use pesticides that contain copper. Copper is toxic to invertebrates such as aquatic snails, crabs, shrimps, etc
3. We don't guarantee your aquarium success or are responsible for your aquarium inhabitant including but not limited to fish, shrimp, snail, turtle, etc. So please quarantine all plants when use!
4. Unless specific, we don't guarantee aquatic plants will be grow emerged or submerge.

Please review your state's regulations on restricted plants, as we are committed to not shipping plants that are restricted in your area. Do not release any plants into the wild or waterways, as this can harm local ecosystems by introducing invasive species.

Your cooperation in protecting the environment is appreciated. For continuously updated information, refer to the USDA State Noxious Weed list here.

Thank you for your responsible commitment to environmental preservation.