TROPICA - Cladophora linnaei - In vitro

Cladophora linnaei: an aesthetic and easy-to-live-with ball of algae

Contrary to what one might think, Cladophora linnaei is not a plant but rather a filamentous green algae . Its perfectly spherical shape is shaped by the natural movements of water in the cold lakes of Europe, Asia and Japan. In an aquarium, it maintains this shape if you remember to turn it regularly. Easy to live with, it grows very slowly and does not require a CO2 system or powerful lighting . It can even survive in a simple glass jar.

It thrives in water between 5 and 27°C, with a pH of 6 to 8.5, and adapts to a wide variety of water hardnesses. Very resistant , it even tolerates brackish water. For those who wish to vary the aesthetic, it is possible to divide it into several pieces: it will form new balls or transform into a plant carpet if it is fixed to a support. An original option for creating aquascaping compositions.

A natural ally for aquarium balance

In addition to its decorative aspect, Cladophora is appreciated for its qualities as a "natural filter" . It captures suspended particles and absorbs some of the nitrates present in the water. Although it is not a miracle cure for nitrates, its simple presence reduces the proliferation of other algae thanks to nutrient competition . A good complement to nutrients and the classic filter .

It's also a prime habitat for microorganisms and a perfect hiding place for shrimp and small fish. Invertebrates love to rummage through it in search of food. Some aquarists even use it in breeding tanks as a medium for live food .

Easy maintenance and exceptional longevity

The moss ball lives for a long time, up to 10 years or more. Its maintenance is simple: simply rinse it gently every 15 days in clean water from the tank. Squeeze it gently to remove impurities, reform it into a ball, and replace it. If it turns brown, white, or deteriorates, don't panic: a simple cleaning, rolling, or placing it in the shade is often enough to restore it to its original shape.

Be careful not to exceed 24°C: the balls risk deteriorating. In hot weather, you can even place them briefly in the refrigerator (without freezing them). Avoid anti-algae products, which will definitely destroy them.

A protected algae, a cultural and ecological symbol

Aegagropila linnaei is a fascinating species, both for its history and its form. Protected in several countries, including Japan, Iceland, and Russia, it has become a cultural symbol. In Japan, it is even celebrated annually during a traditional festival. This rarity means it is sometimes counterfeited in the form of plastic balls: it is better to choose in vitro , laboratory-grown specimens, such as those offered by Zoanthus.

Finally, contrary to popular belief, this algae is not invasive. Its ultra-slow growth makes cases of uncontrolled proliferation very rare in aquariums. If this were to occur, simply remove the young shoots. Fear of algae is often unjustified: a good filter cleaning and a good light/temperature balance are enough to avoid any problems.

How to plant Cladophora linnaei moss in video?