

Marimo translates to “lake ball” in English – a fitting name since they’re literally giant balls of algae filaments found on lake floors.Ĭurrents in shallower parts of the lake roll them around, giving them their iconic shape. Wakana ( source)īecause of their limited geographic range, Japan considers them a natural monument, and they’re listed as threatened in several countries. A marimo ball colony in Lake Akan, photo by I. Marimos form massive colonies in Japan’s Lake Akan and throughout lakes in Europe.

My marimo moss has brown spots, what do I do?.My marimo ball is falling apart, what do I do?.How do I propagate my marimo moss balls?.Introducing your marimo moss to its new home.How do I pick out a healthy marimo ball?.Keep an eye on the US Fish and Wildlife Service website to learn when marimo moss balls will again be safe to purchase. Multiple states have issued agricultural quarantines of these moss balls to protect uncontaminated waterways as recently as May 8, 2021. They actively track additional reports and record them in the USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species database. The US Geological Survey (USGS) first received a report of marimo moss balls contaminated with zebra mussels from a pet store in Seattle in March of 2021. Zebra mussels ( Dreissena polymorpha) are an aggressively invasive species that can quickly overtake and permanently harm natural waterways. In addition, you may want to verify that the procedure you use complies with local state and animal welfare laws.
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Their website provides detailed instructions on how to safely do this. The US Fish and Wildlife Service still recommends that any marimo moss balls purchased after February 1, 2021, be destroyed and disposed of properly. Is it Safe to Order Moss Balls? Betta fish and marimos, photo by Kara Crow If you’re interested in learning more about this issue and how it affects the aquarium hobby, read on to the next paragraph. It’s worth noting that the current regulations in the US regarding aquarium ownership and trade are quite different, particularly due to the introduction of invasive species such as zebra mussels – marimos hitchhikers. They are also known for their low-maintenance care requirements. These spherical-shaped algae balls have a velvety texture and can grow up to several inches in diameter. Interestingly, marimos have become quite popular in recent years due to their unique and eye-catching appearance. Have you ever heard of marimos, the so-called “moss balls” in the aquarium world?ĭespite their nickname, they are not actually moss but a type of green algae known as Aegagropila linnaei.
