AquaSage
Species library

Java Moss

Taxiphyllum barbieri

Hypnaceae

PlantsDifficulty: ○○○○Data: well-established
Java Moss — Taxiphyllum barbieri
📷 Buchling · CC BY-SA 3.0 · resized · Wikimedia Commons

About

Java moss is an extremely hardy, rootless moss from Southeast Asia that attaches to almost any surface and grows in a tangled green mat. It thrives across a huge temperature and chemistry range, needs no CO2 or fertiliser, and provides ideal cover and biofilm grazing for shrimp and fry. It is a staple for aquascaping walls, carpets and hardscape accents.

Care

Tie or spread it over hardscape or mesh and trim occasionally; some flow keeps it clean of detritus. No CO2 or dosing required.

Diet

Absorbs nutrients from the water column; harbours biofilm and infusoria that feed shrimp and newly hatched fry.

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Frequently asked questions

What water parameters does a Java Moss need?
Java Moss does best at 15–28 °C (59–82.4 °F), pH 5.5–8 and a general hardness of 3–20 °dGH.
Where should Java Moss be placed in the aquarium?
Java Moss works best attached to wood or rock, not planted in the substrate and reaches around 10 cm.
Is the Java Moss suitable for beginners?
Yes — Java Moss is one of the easier species to keep and forgives typical first-tank mistakes, as long as the aquarium is cycled and maintained.

Sources

Water & tank

Temperature15–28°C
Optimal temp.21–25°C
pH5.5–8
Hardness (GH)3–20°d
Carbonate (KH)2–18°d
Water typeFreshwater
FlowModerate
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