A novel magnetic bio-adsorbent (MCIA) was developed, characterized and tested for its Cd(II) removal from aqueous solution. MCIA could be easily separated from the solution after equilibrium adsorption due to its super-paramagnetic property. The functional and magnetic bio-material was an attractive adsorbent for the removal of Cd(II) from aqueous solution owing to the abundant adsorption sites, amino-group and oxygen-containing groups on the surface of Cyclosorus interruptus. The experimental results indicated that the MCIA exhibited excellent adsorption ability and the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. The adsorption isotherm was consistent with the Langmuir model. The adsorption kinetic fitted the pseudo-second-order model very well. The maximum adsorption capacity of Cd(II) onto MCIA was 40.8, 49.4, 54.6 and 56.6 mg/g at 293, 303, 313 and 323 K, respectively. And the MCIA exhibited an excellent reusability and impressive regeneration. Therefore, MCIA could serve as a sustainable, efficient and low-cost magnetic adsorbent for Cd(II) removal from aqueous solution.