Ever Heard of ‘Moss Balls?’

By Craig Regelbrugge

No, not “moth balls” and not even moss at all; aquarium moss balls are a green filamentous algae (Aegagropila linnaei) that looks like moss. They are soft and spongy when filled with water in aquariums or water gardens and provide habitat for fish, shrimp, and other species. Moss balls are hardy and easy to maintain.

As a result, they have become and are an active commodity in the aquarium and water garden trade. Moss balls can be purchased in every state through national retail chains, small independent retailers, and online marketplaces, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).

The species is found mainly in areas of Northern Europe and in several places in Japan. It has rarely been found in North America and Australia. The moss ball itself is not found to be invasive. But the good news ends there. They have been documented to harbor harmful and regulated aquatic nuisance species, such as zebra mussels.

At present, protocols do not exist to enable safe, clean, and compliant trade in moss balls. Until such protocols are developed, retailers are urged not to sell moss balls. Retailers and their customers are urged to safely destroy moss balls and to decontaminate the aquarium or water garden systems in which they were growing. For questions or more guidance, visit the FWS website https://t.e2ma.net/click/ p0jxcd/9nz8k1/dn5j6q. •

Legislative updates courtesy of AmericanHort