| Java Moss | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Division: | Bryophyta |
| Class: | Bryopsida |
| Subclass: | Bryidae |
| Order: | Hypnales |
| Family: | Hypnaceae |
| Genus: | see text |
| Species: | see text |
Java Moss is a moss belonging to the Hypnaceae family. Native to Southeast Asia, it is commonly used in freshwater aquariums. It attaches to rocks, roots, and driftwood. The identity of this well-known plant is not resolved; formerly thought to be Vesicularia dubyana (Brotherus, 1908), it may actually be Taxiphyllum barbieri.[1]
Java Moss does not require any special attention. It accepts all kind of waters, even weakly brackish, and all kind of light qualities. It grows best at 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 24 degrees Celsius), but can live in temperatures of up to 85 to 90 °F (29 to 32 °C). It is a low light plant and makes a great foreground plant. In aquariums it should be planted where there is good water current because debris gets stuck on it easily and gives it a brown fuzzy appearance. Due to its clinging nature Java Moss can also be made into a moss wall. This can be accomplished by folding a net and spreading the moss evenly across it. Then, the net can be secured together by polyester strings, and held on the aquarium wall by using suction cups. It is a slow starter until it has established itself.
It is especially popular among aquarists raising fry (baby fish) and tadpoles, to protect them from cannibalistic adults. Java Moss can also provide food for the newly formed fry, which can be challenging to feed. Some shrimp like to tear the miniature leaves off it to eat.
Java Moss can be easily propagated via division. It is suitable for both aquariums and vivariums.