Shop - Chladophora aegagroplia (Moss Ball) xl – Single 7cm

Description

Chladophora Moss Balls

What is Chladophora?

Chladophora is a genus of filamentous green algae. The most common species is Chladophora aegagropila, also known as marimo. Marimo are found in lakes and rivers in Japan and Northern Europe. They are known for their unique spherical shape, which is caused by the gentle wave action in their natural habitat.

How Chladophora Moss Balls Form in the Wild

Marimo form in shallow lakes and rivers with clear, cold water and sandy bottoms. The gentle wave action causes the algae filaments to roll and tumble, which helps to form the spherical shape. Marimo can grow to be several inches in diameter, and some specimens have been known to be over 100 years old.

What Chladophora Moss Balls Look Like

Marimo are bright green and have a velvety texture. They are typically round or oval in shape, but can also be irregular. Marimo can range in size from a few millimeters to several inches in diameter.

Benefits of Chladophora Moss Balls for Aquarium Water Quality

Marimo are beneficial for aquarium water quality in several ways. They help to filter the water by removing nutrients used by nuisance algae and other debris. They also release oxygen into the water, which helps to improve water quality for fish and other aquarium inhabitants.

Benefits of Chladophora Moss Balls for Aquarium Inhabitants

Marimo provide a number of benefits for aquarium inhabitants, such as fish and shrimp. They provide a hiding place for fish, and they can also be used as a spawning substrate for some species of fish. Shrimp also like to feed on the algae that grows on marimo.

Preferred Water Parameters for Chladophora Moss Balls

Marimo prefer cool, clean water. They can tolerate a wide range of water parameters, but they thrive in water with a temperature between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and a pH between 6.8 and 7.5.

How to Care for Chladophora Moss Balls

Marimo are relatively low-maintenance aquarium plants. They do not need to be fertilized, and they can tolerate low light levels. However, they do need to be cleaned regularly to remove algae and debris. Marimo can also be rolled gently between your fingers to help maintain their spherical shape.

Tips for keeping Chladophora Moss Balls healthy:

• Clean your marimo balls regularly to remove algae and debris.
• Roll your marimo balls gently between your fingers to help maintain their spherical shape.
• Keep your marimo balls in cool, clean water.
• Avoid placing your marimo balls in direct sunlight.

With proper care, marimo balls can live for many years. They are a beautiful and beneficial addition to any aquarium.

Size is approximately 7cm.

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