Java Moss
Java Moss (Ectropothecium barbieri, long catalogued as Taxiphyllum barbieri) is the workhorse moss of the hobby — nearly impossible to kill and happy to attach to almost any surface, from driftwood to rock to mesh. Its tangled, feathery fronds make ideal cover and grazing ground for shrimp and a spawning refuge for fish fry. Tie or glue it onto hardscape and it will slowly spread into a soft green carpet or wall.
Care level: Easy · Placement: Epiphyte (on wood/rock) · Lighting: Low-Medium · CO2: Not required · Growth rate: Moderate · Propagation: division (splitting)
At a glance
- Scientific name
- Ectropothecium barbieri
- Common name
- Java Moss
- Water type
- Freshwater
- Care level
- Easy
When it ships
Most non-quarantined stock goes out the week you order. If we do not already have the animal in-house we source it first — allow up to two weeks for it to reach us. Live animals leave Monday and Tuesday, and Early AM Overnight is the only service that carries a live arrival guarantee.
The live guarantee
Shipped Early AM Overnight: a 1-hour DOA window from confirmed delivery, and nothing beyond it. Next Day Air and 2-Day carry no live arrival guarantee, and neither does USPS Priority. Local pickup or local delivery: 24 hours, if you bring a water sample from your aquarium and we test it before the animal goes home. Maintenance clients: 60 days when we service the aquarium at least twice a month, 28 days on a monthly plan.
Expert guidance
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Cameron draws on 25+ years in the hobby and a marine biology background to help you choose the right fit for your system.