Java Moss
Taxiphyllum barbieri · family Hypnaceae
- Light
- Low
- CO₂
- Not required
- Temperature
- 18–28 °C
- pH
- 5.5–8
- Hardness
- 1–20 °dGH
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Height
- up to 10 cm
- Placement
- Epiphyte
- Root feeder
- No
Pros and cons
- Grows almost anywhere — tolerates any parameters
- Perfect for breeding tanks and shrimp setups
- Easy to attach to hardscape
- Needs neither light nor CO₂
- Very slow growth — a bush takes months to form
- Traps detritus — needs occasional rinsing
- Catches algae under strong light
Description
The best-known aquarium moss. Attaches to driftwood, stones, and filters. Creates shelter for fry and shrimp.
Care
Tie with thread or glue with cyanoacrylate. After 2–4 weeks it anchors with rhizoids.
FAQ
- Is java moss safe for shrimp?
- Perfect for them. Juveniles hide in the moss; shrimp graze food off it. One of the best species for shrimp tanks.
AuthorGoldie Editorial
Goldie editorial team
Practising aquarists with a combined 30+ years of experience · Biologists and editors, fact-checking against FishBase and Seriously Fish · Every piece is reviewed by a qualified ichthyologist before publication
Reviewed byGoldie Science Board
Scientific board — ichthyologists and veterinarians
Ichthyologists and veterinarians with university degrees · Reference FishBase, Seriously Fish and peer-reviewed literature · Sign every reviewed article with their credentials shown
Sources
- Wikipedia: Taxiphyllum barbieri · Wikipedia · 2026-05-22