Description

Taxiphyllum barbieri

Java Moss, Taxiphyllum barbieri, is probably the best known and most widely used moss in the aquarium world. It is a wonderful plant for spawning fish and for fry to hide in, as well as a decorative accent in the tank. It is also one of the easiest mosses to grow in the aquarium, requiring only the most modest conditions to grow well. To propagate most quickly, cut the strands up with scissors, as it will reproduce at both ends of each strand.

This plant was, for years, thought to be Vesicularia dubyana and the story of how these mosses got confused and the tangled web of names is complicated. In Europe, the common name for this plant is “Bogor Moss” For those interested, there is a good explanation on this web site: https://www.flowgrow.de/db/aquaticplants/taxiphyllum-barbieri

This moss may tolerate temperatures of up to 30°C, however, in cooler water of around 24 °C it grows faster and looks healthier. Whereas it has a more compact, lusher growth under higher light intensities, it is darker and spindlier under lower light. Fertilizer and the addition of carbon dioxide help but are not necessary. However, if you prefer a lush, healthy-looking moss with strong growth in your aquarium you should at least contemplate the use of an iron fertilizer.

This moss soon attaches to the substrate it grows on with its rhizoids (root-like filaments; the small, hairlike dark brown tufts on the underside of the moss shoots), even on plastic and glass panes overgrown with algae, which makes it very suitable for decorating wood and rocks it can be tied to with the help of a cotton line or glue.  It is also possible to create a beautiful moss carpet in the foreground of the tank even if the light intensity is low.

Java moss can be trimmed to shape with a pair of scissors without sulking. If it grows too fast you can thus easily control it. Its propagation is as easy – simply cut off a portion. It is also a great hideaway for fish larvae. Mosses have gained popularity in aquaria in the wake of the shrimp boom. They provide these crustaceans not only with protection, but also with a richly laid table as their large surface is home to various microorganisms and detritus.

You will receive a portion around the size of a loose tennis ball.

Common Name:      Java moss

Family Name:           Hypnaceae

Native To:                 Vietnam

Lighting:                  Low

Requirements:        Extremely undemanding

Growth Form:          Filamentous

Growth Rate:            Fast

True Aquatic:            Yes

Placement in Tank:  Attached to hardscape or left to float free

Available As:              Portion, Tissue culture cup