Java moss

Description

Taxiphyllum barbieri, commonly known as Java moss, is one of the most popular and widespread aquarium mosses. It was identified as Taxiphyllum barbieri by Zennosuke Iwatsuki in 1982. Some sources mistakenly refer to Vesicularia dubyana as Java moss, while others call Taxiphyllum barbieri Bogor moss. This moss has low requirements regarding water quality and lighting, making it a coveted aquarium plant. It can grow under diverse conditions, tolerating temperatures up to 30°C, but grows faster at cooler temperatures around 24 °C. The growth of the moss is affected by light intensity, with higher intensities promoting compact growth and lower intensities producing darker, spindly shoots. Fertilizer and CO2 can help promote healthy growth, particularly with iron fertilizers. Taxiphyllum barbieri attaches to its substrate with rhizoids and can be tied to wood or rocks using a nylon line. It can also thrive in a Hamburg mat filter, eventually covering it entirely. The moss can be trimmed with scissors and propagated by cutting off a portion. Its large surface provides a habitat for microorganisms and detritus, making it a great hideaway for fish larvae and providing food for crustaceans like shrimp.