Vesicularia sp ‘Mini Christmas moss’ on coconut shell

Description

Quantity: Small bunch on laterite rock 

Origin: South America

Light requirement: Low & Medium

Plant positioning: Foreground, On driftwoods, Rocks, etc.

CO2 requirement: Low & Medium

Plant difficulty level: Easy

Plant Propagation: Cut, Rip, Chew

A moss specialty from Brasil, 1-3 cm tall, called “Christmas tree moss”, because of its side branch structure which distinguishes it from ordinary Vesicularia dubyana and looks like fire tree branches. It is more demanding than ordinary Java moss and grows more slowly. It attaches readily to roots and stones, and as it spreads in the water it needs pruning to keep its shape attractive. See also Taxiphyllum barbieri.

This plant provides excellent shade and coverage for shrimp and fish. Moss is very versatile and can be attached to hardscape or left free-floating. It can be grown under a wide range of aquarium conditions, recommended for breeders, beginners, and all.

This attractive moss has a very bushy growth habit, yet remains quite delicate. We got it under the name “Mini Taiwan moss” (Isopterygium sp.), but we found that it is another moss that belongs to the genus Vesicularia. It resembles “Christmas moss” very closely, but it is much more delicate and stays smaller. This moss develops dense, regularly ramifying shoots with almost rectangular lateral shoots. Mini Christmas moss attaches readily to rocks and driftwood and is thus ideal for accentuating hardscape materials. It can be used in many ways.

Mini Christmas moss is ideal for aquascaping, however, it can also be used in standard aquaria very well. Its fine, delicate structure makes the tank look larger, and thus you can play with proportions very well to create the illusion of a larger tank.

The moss called “Mini Christmas Moss” in this database was spread in the hobby under the name “Mini Taiwan Moss”, however, it does not belong to Isopterygium sp. (for further detail, please see www.aquamoss.net). It might be a species of the genus Vesicularia. Its origins are unknown. It may also be in trade under other names.

This moss looks like a miniature version of Christmas Moss (Vesicularia montagnei). It forms densely and regularly ramified filigree shoots with a triangular outline. It also resembles Vesicularia sp. “Triangle Moss”, however, it differs by horizontal to overhanging shoots that never grow upwards.
It is not clear yet whether it differs from Vesicularia sp. “Anchor Moss” and a Vesicularia species sold as “China Moss”, and if so, in which way.