In recent years there has been a surge in the number of fishkeepers who have turned aquascapers. Whereas the majority of aquatic plants absorb nutrients through their roots, Java Moss absorbs everything it needs to survive and grow through its leaves. Java Moss growing on woodĪs mentioned above, Java Moss does not grow any roots. In my own fish room, I have a 40-gallon tank where the Java Moss has attached itself all along the back wall of the aquarium. Given enough time, Java Moss will eventually attach itself to rocks, wood, and even the aquarium glass using rhizoids, (which are short, thin filaments). It does not put down any roots and can easily be moved by larger fish or the fishkeeper. When placed in the aquarium, Java Moss will sit as a free-form clump on the substrate. It is often said that it is near impossible to kill Java Moss. World-famous aquascapers like Takashi Amano and George Farmer use Java Moss to bring their aquascapes to life. The moss provides cover from fish who may wish to eat the baby shrimp, but also a place where tiny pieces of uneaten food gather, creating a safe haven where the shrimp can grow.įor aquascapers, Java Moss is a wonder plant that can be tied or fixed to rocks and pieces of wood, giving them an aged appearance. Shrimp keepers and breeders also find that Java Moss provides the perfect nursery for baby shrimp. There are also a number of species of fish who deposit their eggs in or on Java Moss. Java Moss is loved by fish breeders, shrimp keepers, and aquascapers alike.įish breeders have used Java Moss for many years due to its ability to hide baby fish from larger fish in the aquarium who would happily eat the babies. Java Moss can also be found growing on tree trunks. It mainly grows on and around the river bank as well as on rocks, both in and out of the water.
Java Moss originates from freshwater rivers and streams in Southeast Asia and has been a staple in the freshwater aquarium hobby for many years. Java Moss is a bright to dark green color and as it grows it forms a potentially huge mass of moss that can easily fill a 40 or 50-gallon (190 liters) aquarium if left unchecked. There are a number of other species of moss available, and some are often confused with Java Moss. Java Moss is by far the most grown moss in the hobby. Java Moss simply forms a loose bundle of greenery that either just sits on the bottom of the tank, or can be attached to wood, rocks, and decorations within the aquarium. Java Moss is unlike any other plant in the aquarium hobby.