Plants for the Killie Aquarium
Java Moss
Although there are many plants suitable for use in the killifish aquarium, one of the most popular is Vesicularia dubyana, or Java Moss. Most killikeepers who have been in the hobby for more than a few weeks have a bunch or more of this hardy, undemanding little moss in their tanks.
Java moss is a true aquatic moss that grows freely whether it is anchored to a stone, a piece of driftwood, or simply allowed to float. It will grow under extremely limited light conditions that would kill other plants and is tolerant of a wide range of water conditions and temperatures. It can even tolerate some salt.
Given fairly still water and little disturbance, Java Moss will grow into a lacy, vertical veil; under more usual conditions, it will form a thick matt or dense “forest” of vegetative material ideal for spawning containers, and providing cover for both adults and fry, as well as a site for depositing eggs. It also supports colonies of microorganisms on which the fry feed, while absorbing toxins produced by the growing fish and their wastes.
To propagate the plant, simply tear or tease the clumps apart and move portions to their new locations.
— GCKA Newsletter, December 1997