Vesicularia dubayana - Java Moss

Java moss or Vesicularia dubayana has its origin in Asia and can be found in Malaysia, Java, and India. Java moss has become a very popular plant due to its hardiness and excellent quality as a hiding place for fry. It does not hurt that it is decorative, fast growing and very versatile either. Vesicularia dubayana (java moss) does not need to be planted and can therefore be attached to almost any surface to and thrive or you can keep it free floating. Java moss can be very decorative if attached to roots or stones.

Vesicularia dubayana (java moss) is a sleeper moss belonging to the Hypnaceae family. It has very small green leafes that seldom reaches more then 4 mm and grows in pairs on each side of the stem. Java moss can also be cultivated above water in moist conditions which makes it ideal for paladariums. It is important to keep your water clean since a lot of particles otherwise risk getting stuck in the moss which not only looks bad but also damage the plant.

When you first introduce Vesicularia dubayana (java moss) to your aquarium you have to attach the portions of moss to their growing place. This can be done by using a piece of fishing wire or a rubber band. The java moss will then attach itself to the surface using rhizoids (small roots) and after a while they are able to keep themselves attached and the rubber band/fishing line can be removed. The moss grows fast and creates good hiding places for fry.

You may propagate your moss by splitting it and attaching the new parts on other places. Vesicularia dubayana (java moss) often propagate fast in an aquarium when pieces of the moss that have loosen attach themselves in other places in the aquarium and starts to grow. They can also create red-brown sporocarps.

Vesicularia dubayana (java moss) accepts most water conditions as long as the water is clean but prefers a pH of 5.8-8.0 and a temperature of 18-30 degrees Celsius. You should make sure that you don’t get algae growing on your java moss as to much algae could kill it. Java moss prefers low to medium light.

On of the main usages of Vesicularia dubayana (java moss) is to protect fry and eggs when breeding. Vesicularia dubayana (java moss) is an excellent spawning substrate. The advantages of java moss is that egg eating fishes can’t get to those eggs that falls into the java moss which is hereby giving the eggs a chance to develop. Another advantage of the Vesicularia dubayana (java moss) is that infusoria will life in the moss which serves as food for the fry the first few days. The species is very suitable for permanent breeding aquariums.

Vesicularia dubayana (java moss) is usefully hen breeding most species that is egg scattering including barbs, killis and rainbow fishes.

Didn't find the info you were looking for? Register for free and ask your question in our Aquarium forum !
Our knowledgeable staff usually responds to any question within 24 hours

Related Articles

ACORUS GRAMINEUS - Information about how to care for Acorus gramineus
Algae in Aquariums - An introduction to Algae.
Anubias - Information about how to care for anubias species.
Aponogeton crispus - Information about how to care for A. crispus.
Aquarium Plant Nutrition - Information about plant nutrition and how to fertalize your aquarium plants.
Caring for plants - An introduction on how to best care for your plants.
Ceratopteris thalictroides - Watersprite - Information about how to care for watersprite.
Choosing plants for your aquarium - An article about Choosing plants for your aquarium
Cryptocoryne blassi - Information about how to keep and reproduce this species.
Echinodorus amazonicus - Information about how to care for E. amazonicus.
Echinodorus bleheri - Information about how to care for E. bleheri
Aquarium Ferns - Information about how to care for fern species.
Keeping Aquarium Plants - Information about how to keep aquarium plants successfully.
Plant growth - An article about the different factors that affect plant growth.
Propagating Aponogeton crispus - A short article on propagating Aponogeton crispus
Propagating plants - An introduction to propagating plants.
Riccia fluitans (Crystalwort) - This floating plant can be anchored to wood or rock to form a beautiful "lawn” and hide fry.
Rotalla macrandra - It can be a real showpiece with a little effort and care, if you can find it
Setting Up a Planted Aquarium - Information about how to prepare and setup a planted aquarium.
How to grow & care for aquarium plants - Information about how to care for plants in aquariums.
Stargrass, Heteranthera zosterifolia - A detailed article about the care of this plant.
Suitable aquarium plants for beginners - A guide to help beginners choose the best plants for their aquarium.