Java Moss
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
Vesicularia dubyana, a rugged aquatic plant. George Farmer
Overview
Aquatic mosses are exceptionally useful and well regarded in the aquarium hobby. The “Java” mosses include the familiar Java Moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri) and newer forms that are showing up: Christmas Tree Moss, Singapore Moss, Weeping Moss, Erect Moss, Creeping Moss, and others.True wonderments, mosses will grow floating free or attached to an object (rock, wood, ornament, plastic needlepoint mesh, etc.). The root filaments of the moss anchor themselves to these objects, then grow slowly but steadily. A variety of materials is used to anchor the mosses, everything from fishing line to ladies’ fine hairnets. Trim as desired, and use the clippings to make new arrangements or to remove them from the aquarium. These mosses are ideal for breeding fishes. The fry find sanctu¬ary and food in mosses, and often the first sign of new life in the aquarium is tiny flashes of silver in the “Mommy Moss."
Family: Hypnaceae
Other common name(s):
- Christmas Tree Moss
- Creeping Moss
- Erect Moss
- Singapore Moss
- Weeping Moss
Native range:
- Phillippines
- Sunda Islands
- Southeast Asia
- Amazon River Basin
Habitat: Clinging to rocks, tree trunks, and virtually any other hold¬fast in water and emersed in moist areas.
Maximum length: 17 cm (7 in)
Lighting: Dim to bright light.
Placement: Attached to decorative objects.
Water: Freshwater 15 °C (59 °F) - 30 °C (86 °F)
Breeding/Propagation
Spores; division.