SCIENTIFIC NAME: VESICULARIA DUBYANA Java Moss (Vesicularia Dubyana) does not require any special attention. It accepts all kinds of water, even weakly brackish, and all kinds of light qualities. It grows best at 70 to 75° Fahrenheit (21 to 24° Celsius), but can live in temperatures of up to 85 to 90 °F (29 to 32 °C). It makes a good foreground plant. In aquariums, it should be planted where there is good water current because debris gets stuck on it easily and gives it a brown fuzzy appearance. A very versatile moss, Java Moss can be used in many ways for aquascaping. Due to its clinging nature, Java moss can also be made into a moss wall. This can be accomplished by folding a net and spreading the moss evenly across it. Then, the net can be secured together by polyester strings, and held on the aquarium wall by using suction cups. Applying a similar concept, aquascaping driftwood with Java Moss can give the look of trees underwater. It is, however, a slow starter until it has established itself. Java Moss is especially popular among aquarists raising fry (baby fish) and tadpoles, to protect them from cannibalistic adults. Java moss can also provide food for the newly formed fry, which can be challenging to feed. Some shrimp like to tear the miniature leaves off for food as well. Even though certain species may nibble on this, Java moss can be easily propagated via division. With just a few strands, it can easy come back to fill up the tank if left alone and is suitable for both aquariums and vivariums.
