| Java Moss or Willow Moss | ||||||||||||||||
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| Versicularia dubyana (Brotherus, 1908) |
Willow or Java Moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri) belonging to the Hypnaceae family is a moss native to Southeast Asia commonly used in freshwater aquariums. It attaches to rocks, roots, and driftwood. 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. Java Moss does not require any special attention. It accepts all kind of waters, even weakly brackish, and all kind of light qualities at a wide range of temperature, though it has been observed growing better at low temperatures. It is a low light plant and makes a great foreground plant. In aquariums you should plant it somewhere where there is good water current because debris gets stuck on it easily and gives it a brown fuzzy appearance. Some shrimp like to tear the miniature leaves on it to eat. It is especially popular among aquarists raising fry (baby fish), to protect them from cannibalistic adults. Java Moss can also provide food for the newly form fry, which can be challenging to feed. Java Moss can be easily propagated via division. It is suitable for both aquariums and vivariums.
