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Plant appearance can vary with lighting, nutrients, CO₂, and whether it is grown submerged or emersed.
easylow lightNo CO2slow 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.
Evidence: verifiedConfidence: high
Care at a glance
Water parameters
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.
Sources
- Aegagropila linnaei. Wikipedia — Freshwater algae forming spherical colonies; native to Japan and Iceland; aquarium and cultural significance.
- Aegagropila linnaei (Marimo). Flowgrow — Aquarium care: low light, cool temperature preference, monthly rotation.
Fish whose water overlaps
Peaceful freshwater species with overlapping temperature and pH — still run a pair check for the real mix.
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Plan the tank around this plant
Set a 5L+ footprint, then verify livestock before you buy Marimo Moss Ball.
Tank hubs: 30L
Related plant guides
Easy beginner aquarium plantsLow-light aquarium plantsPlants for shrimp tanks
Common questions about Marimo Moss Ball
- Does Marimo Moss Ball need CO2?
- No. Marimo Moss Ball grows in low-tech tanks without CO2 injection or liquid carbon supplementation.
- What light does Marimo Moss Ball need?
- Marimo Moss Ball is a low-light plant. Standard aquarium LEDs cover this with room to spare. It is one of the plants you can light from a basic shop hood and still get growth.
- Is Marimo Moss Ball beginner-friendly?
- Marimo Moss Ball is rated easy for difficulty. 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-e
- Is Marimo Moss Ball safe for shrimp?
- Yes. Marimo Moss Ball is safe in shrimp tanks. The usual quarantine still applies: any plant from a commercial nursery should be soaked and rinsed first to flush copper and pesticide residue.