🌿 Leptochilus pteropus ‘Lionfish’ – Exotic Java Fern with Intricate, Fin-Like Leaves

Leptochilus pteropus ‘Lionfish’ (formerly known as Microsorum pteropus ‘Lionfish’) is a rare and visually striking variant of Java Fern, prized for its finely dissected, flowing leaves that resemble the elegant fins of a lionfish. Its deep green coloration and unique texture make it a standout centerpiece in any aquascape, adding movement and sophistication without demanding intensive care.

This slow-growing, hardy plant is perfect for both beginners and advanced aquascapers, thriving in a wide range of aquarium conditions while maintaining its dramatic appearance.

🌟 Key Features

• Scientific Name: Leptochilus pteropus ‘Lionfish’

• Synonym: Microsorum pteropus ‘Lionfish’

• Common Name: Java Fern Lionfish

• Leaf Structure: Intricate, finely divided leaves resembling lionfish fins

• Color: Deep, rich green

• Growth Rate: Slow and steady

• Placement: Midground to background, or attached to hardscape

• Care Level: Beginner-friendly

🌱 Growth & Propagation

• Lighting: Low to moderate (tolerates high light)

• CO₂ & Fertilization: Not required, but will enhance growth

• Growth Method: Epiphyte – attach to driftwood, rock, or decor (do not bury rhizome)

• Nutrient Substrate: Not Required

• Can Be Grown Emersed: Yes

Propagation occurs naturally through rhizome division or plantlets forming on mature leaves.

🖼️ Aquascaping Benefits

• Unique Texture: Adds fine, feathery contrast against broader-leaf plants

• Versatile Placement: Ideal for attaching to driftwood and rocks for a natural look

• Low Maintenance: Excellent choice for low-tech tanks and beginners

• Natural Movement: Leaf structure creates a flowing, dynamic appearance underwater

📦 What You’ll Receive

Fresh, healthy Leptochilus pteropus ‘Lionfish’ cultivated and prepared by Aquarium Plants Factory®, available in convenient planting formats:

• 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

• Appearance may vary slightly due to natural growth conditions

• As an epiphytic plant, the rhizome should not be buried in substrate to prevent rot

• Minor leaf melt may occur during transition but new growth will adapt to your aquarium

🚫 State Restrictions Notice ♻️ Be a Responsible Aquatic Plants Owner.

Certain aquatic plants may be restricted or regulated in some U.S. states. Always check your local and state regulations before purchasing or introducing plants into natural waterways. Never release aquarium plants into the wild.

 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.