Java moss

Java moss ( Vesicularia dubyana )

The Java moss ( Taxiphyllum barbieri, formerly Vesicularia dubyana ) is a moss species, which is often kept in aquariums or terrariums. It comes from South East Asia ( China, Thailand, Indonesia), where it grows on river banks both inside and outside the water. As for the water quality, it is not very sophisticated. Supposedly, it even comes to terms with slightly brackish water.

Java moss is no longer assigned to the genus Vesicularia, but the genus Taxiphyllum. The scientific name is Taxiphyllum barbieri. The scientific name Vesicularia dubyana is assigned to the Singapore moss.

From habit ago is a typical Hypnacee with simple and loosely branched stems and feathery light to lush green color.

Attitude

In terrarium with high humidity can let overgrow of this kind the ground by it relies on the substrate or between two stones.

When decorating means to overgrowing of Moorkienholz and stones, as Ablaichpflanze in breeding tanks or as young fish hide this moss is very popular among aquarists. The wide temperature range allows use in many basins.

To put the moss in an aquarium to a certain place, you can secure it there with a net or a thread until it has formed after a few weeks rhizoids that hold it on the ground. It is also sufficient if one clamps the moss between two stones.

As the support takes the kind Vorlieb with everything they can find. It grows on earth, rough or smooth stones and wood as well as on the plastic tubes of aquarium pumps. Even on glass walls, it will stop, unless they are completely free of algae.

Since the moss forms dense plexuses in aquariums, it is an excellent option for smaller fish spawning. In addition, it can accommodate many microorganisms, so that in particular invertebrates such as shrimps of the genus Caridina this search often for food.

On the other hand, builds up over time to a lot of detritus ( decaying organic matter ) in the moss beds. Therefore, they must be regularly washed and thinned. Furthermore, the moss is also sensitive to algae growth.

History

In the 30s, the moss was imported by the Zoological Institute of the University of Vienna, which ordered plants from the Botanical Garden of Buitenzorg on the island of Java ( the island owes its name to the type ).

Reproduction

Out of the water makes the moss brown capsules. However, since the Java moss usually still grows abundantly even under moderate light conditions, the propagation does not take place mostly through spores. The increase is very simple, it must be only small parts present to form new colonies.