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Marimo Moss Ball — photograph (Wikimedia Commons; see site attributions)

Image: Wikimedia Commons — attribution available on this site.

Plant appearance can vary with lighting, nutrients, CO₂, and whether it is grown submerged or emersed.

easylow lightNo CO2 neededslow growthmoss

Marimo Moss Ball

Aegagropila linnaei

Also: Cladophora Ball, Lake Ball, Mossimo

Marimo Moss Balls are not true moss, they are spherical colonies of filamentous algae that grow naturally in sub-alpine lakes. In aquariums they provide surface area for beneficial bacteria and microorganisms, and are a popular, low-maintenance décor element.

Care at a glance

Difficultyeasy
Lightlow
CO2Not needed
FertiliserNot essential
Growth rateslow
Max height12cm
Placementforeground
Min tank5L

Water parameters

Temperature15–25°C
pH6–8
Shrimp safeYes
Herbivore risknone
Propagationsplit ball

Beginner guidance

Keep cool: they prefer temperatures below 25°C and may brown and decompose in tropical tanks above 28°C. Roll them gently once a week to maintain their round shape. Rinse in dechlorinated water if they smell. Do not keep with strong plant-eating fish.

Cautions

  • Can deteriorate in warm tropical tanks above 25°C.
  • Not suitable with goldfish or large herbivores.

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