Java moss
| Java moss | ||||||||||||
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Java moss |
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| Taxiphyllum barbieri | ||||||||||||
| ( Cardot & Copp. ) Z.Iwats. |
The Java moss ( Taxiphyllum Barbieri , formerly Vesicularia dubyana Brotherus and Hypnum dubyanum C.Müll. ) Is a moss species , often in aquarium or terrarium is maintained. It originates from Southeast Asia (China, Thailand, Indonesia), where it grows on river banks both inside and outside the water, it is not very demanding in terms of water quality. Supposedly, it even copes with slightly brackish water.
Java moss is no longer assigned to the genus Vesicularia , but to the genus Taxiphyllum . The scientific name is Taxiphyllum barbieri . The scientific name Vesicularia dubyana is assigned to the Singapore moss .
In terms of habit , it is a typical hypnacea with simple and loosely branched stems and light to deep green color.
attitude
In terrariums with high humidity, this species can be allowed to overgrow the ground by placing it on the substrate or between two stones.
This moss is very popular among aquarists as a decoration for overgrowing bog wood and stones, as a spawning plant in breeding tanks or as a hiding place for young fish. The wide temperature range enables it to be used in many pools.
To put the moss in a certain place in an aquarium, you can fix it there with a net or a thread until after a few weeks it has formed rhizoids that hold it to the ground. It is also sufficient to wedge the moss between two stones.
As a base, the species likes everything it can find. It grows on earth, rough or smooth stones and wood as well as on the plastic hoses of aquarium pumps. It even holds onto glass walls if they are not completely algae-free.
Since the moss forms dense webs in aquariums, it is ideal as a spawning opportunity for smaller fish. In addition, it can harbor many microorganisms, so that invertebrates such as shrimps of the genus Caridina in particular often search them for food.
On the other hand, a lot of detritus (decomposing organic substances) also accumulates in the moss pads over time. Therefore, these must be washed out and thinned out regularly. The moss is also sensitive to algae growth.
history
In the 1930s, 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 this island).
Reproduction
Outside the water, the moss forms brownish capsules. However, since the Java moss usually still grows abundantly even under moderate light conditions, reproduction by spores usually does not take place. It is very easy to multiply, only small parts need to be present to form new colonies.
literature
- Christel Kasselmann : Pocket Atlas of Aquarium Plants. 200 species for the aquarium. Ulmer, Stuttgart (Hohenheim) 2005, ISBN 3-8001-4640-1 .
- Jürgen Schmidt: Aquarium plants. Bede, Ruhmannsfelden 1997, ISBN 3-931792-66-8 .
- BC Tan, Loh Kwek Leong, Gan Cheong Weei: A case of mistaken identity? What is the true identity of Java Moss and other aquarium mosses sold in Singapore shops? In: Singapore Scientist. No. 102, 2004, ISSN 0217-1880 , pp. 8–11, ( digital version (PDF; 6.8 MB) ).
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ Christel Kasselmann: aquarium plants. Ulmer Verlag, Stuttgart 1995; 2nd, revised and expanded edition 1999, ISBN 3-8001-7454-5 , p. 437.
- ^ BC Tan et al .: A case of mistaken identity? What is the true identity of Java Moss and other aquarium mosses sold in Singapore shops? In: Singapore Scientist. No. 102, 2005, pp. 8-11.
- ↑ www.ijon.de : Java moss (Vesicularia dubyana)
- ↑ Aquariums Terrariums 4/81 p. 114