Tropica Aegagropila Linnaei Moss Balls

Tropica Aegagropila Linnaei Moss Balls

Tropica Aegagropila Linnaei Moss Balls (Cladophora aegagropila, also known as Marimo Moss Balls) are living, velvety green spheres for freshwater aquariums. They suit beginners and experienced aquascapers who want a hardy, low-maintenance decorative accent for nano tanks, shrimp tanks and display set-ups.

Despite the name, a Marimo moss ball is not a moss or a true aquatic plant. It is a naturally occurring spherical algae that forms in lakes through the gentle action of waves. Its vibrant green colour and distinctive round shape make it a talking point in any tank.

Key Benefits

• Unique, eye-catching round shape and rich green colour that stand out against hardscape and fine-leaved plants
• Very hardy and low-maintenance, so it suits both new and experienced aquarists
• Needs only low to moderate lighting, with no added CO₂
• Slow growing, so it keeps its place in a carefully planned layout
• Can be divided into smaller sections, which gradually form new spheres over time
• Pieces can be attached to rocks, driftwood or other hardscape to create a natural green carpet effect

How to Use

• Place the moss ball in the foreground or midground, or use it as a decorative accent in the display.
• Rotate it occasionally during routine tank maintenance so it keeps its attractive spherical shape.
• To propagate, divide it into smaller sections. Over time these will gradually form new spheres.
• For a carpet effect, attach pieces to rocks, driftwood or other hardscape elements.

Suitable For

• Freshwater aquariums of all kinds
• Aquascaping and nano tanks
• Shrimp aquariums
• Decorative displays
• Beginners and experienced aquarists alike

About Marimo

Marimo is native to lakes across the Northern Hemisphere and is protected in parts of Japan. In your aquarium it works as a living decoration that adds a touch of nature and tranquillity.

Specifications

• Type: Algae (commonly sold as a moss ball)
• Origin: Cosmopolitan
• Growth rate: Slow
• Size: 3–10+ cm (1.2–3.9"+) in diameter
• Light requirement: Low to moderate
• CO₂ requirement: Not required
• Difficulty: Easy
• Placement: Foreground, midground, decorative accent

Offered in several sizes, so you can choose the one that suits the scale of your aquascape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Marimo moss ball a moss or a plant?
Neither. It is a naturally occurring spherical algae (Cladophora aegagropila) that forms in lakes through the gentle action of waves.

Do Marimo moss balls need CO₂ or strong lighting?
No. They do not need added CO₂ and only need low to moderate lighting, so they are easy to keep in most freshwater set-ups.

How do I keep my moss ball round?
Rotate it occasionally during routine tank maintenance so it keeps its spherical shape.

Can I split a moss ball into more than one?
Yes. A moss ball can be divided into smaller sections, which will gradually form new spheres over time. Pieces can also be attached to rocks, driftwood or other hardscape for a green carpet effect.

Are they suitable for shrimp tanks and nano aquariums?
Yes. Marimo moss balls are a popular choice for nano tanks and shrimp aquariums, as well as general aquascaping and decorative displays.

How big do they get, and how fast?
Growth is slow. Moss balls reach roughly 3–10+ cm (1.2–3.9"+) in diameter, so allow for their eventual size when planning placement.

When can I expect delivery?

• Gauteng (Jhb/Pta) - 1-3 working days
• Nationwide (Cpt/Dbn+) - 2-5 working days
• Outlying Areas - 3-7 working days

All orders are sent via Economy Road, typically through Fastway or Internet Express Couriers*. Estimated timeframes are not guaranteed. Once the order is collected by the courier, we have no control over third-party logistics and cannot make any time promises.

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