Mosses for the planted tank.

The default beginner moss. Tolerates almost anything but messy when left untrimmed. The shrimplet nursery of choice, dense fronds trap food and biofilm.

Triangular 'christmas-tree' frond pattern is its signature. Needs slightly higher light than Java to keep that pattern; otherwise reverts to a stringy mess.

Grows straight up in twisting columns, a distinctive look. Sensitive to high temperatures; struggles above 26 °C long-term.

Grows downward, perfect for the 'weeping willow' tree look on tall driftwood. Needs steady CO₂ and decent flow to weep properly without trapping detritus.

Feathery, slightly iridescent green. Slower than Java/Christmas, patient growers are rewarded with one of the most ornamental mosses available.

Taller, more pointed fronds than Christmas moss, bushier overall look. A great all-rounder when you want a textured moss surface without weeping.

A more compact Christmas moss with smaller fronds, best moss for nano bonsai trees and miniature aquascapes. Slow but worth the wait.

Amano popularised it as a substrate carpet, but it has no roots, so it must be tied under stainless mesh. Pearls oxygen aggressively under CO₂ and high light.

A premium feature moss, small, fern-like fronds that hug stone. Slow growth means it stays compact and ornamental for months between trims.

Technically the gametophyte stage of an aquatic fern, not a true moss. Forms dark green ruffled mats. Hardy and undemanding, a stealth favourite among aquascapers.

The historically 'true' Java moss — what was originally sold under that name before Taxiphyllum barbieri displaced it. Frond pattern is more irregular and shaggier than modern Java moss, with a deeper green colour. Slightly fussier on water quality and needs better light to keep dense.

Long, thin, string-like fronds that drape from hardscape like underwater Spanish moss. Prefers cooler water than most aquarium mosses — pairs well with white cloud minnows, hillstream loaches, and other subtropical species. Will brown in tanks held above 26 °C long-term.

A thalloid liverwort, often confused with mosses, with flat ribbon-like fronds that grow in tight clumps. Heavier than most mosses, which lets it anchor itself on flat stones without thread. Pairs visually with iwagumi-style hardscape; offers a contrast texture to the fibrous look of Java or Christmas moss.