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Basic Marimo Temperature and Water Requirements

Despite the “moss balls” moniker, Aegagropila linnaei is actually a unique form of water-borne algae which is well suited for plant enthusiasts of all levels of experience. In addition to their unusually fuzzy, bouncy shape, Marimo are not very demanding in terms of temperature and water requirements, and can even provide filter-like benefits to fish globes and aquariums. Famous for their free-will floating and sinking, they function as an excellent chemical free ally in the fight against fish tank clouding. Water Requirements: Marimo...

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The Natural Environmental Conditions of Wild Marimo

Locale:  Japan, Iceland, Estonia, Scotland Marimo Moss Balls, also known as Moss Balls, Algae Balls, Lake Ball, Marimo Moss Ball, Japanese Moss Ball, Cladophora sauteri, or Cladophora aegagropila, are exotic and beautiful. They can make a beautiful addition to your aquarium or decorative pond. Dr. Anton E. Sauter, a botanist from Austria, first discovered Marimo in 1823. His find was located in Lake Zeller, Austria. Hokkaidō: Japan’s northernmost island, is home to some of the country’s most unique national treasures. It is...

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Selecting an Appropriate Jar or Vessel to House a Marimo Specimen

Throughout the years, Marimo Moss Balls have become a favorite addition to the world of aquarium plant hobby. As a matter of fact, in 2007, the International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition team conducted a project of creating Marimo-ish collection of bacteria. Aegagropila linnaei, more commonly known as Marimo, is a species of filamentous green, spherical shaped algae, which is considered as one of the most popular living organisms in Japan. What is interesting about Marimo is that it is a rare...

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How We Cultivate Environmentally Sustainable Authentic Lake Akan Marimo at MossBall.com

As you will recall from reading previous articles on MossBall.com, there exist three naturally-occurring forms of marimo in the wild: free-floating form, carpet form, and ball form. Of these three forms, the most famous and popular form is the ball form that we have come to know as "marimo." It is important to note that the scientific classification for each of these forms is identical: Aegagropila Linnaei. In addition, each of these three forms possess identical genetic DNA profiles, as...

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A Brief History of the Marimo, and Some Fun Facts

The Aegagropila linnaei, otherwise known as the Marimo Moss Ball, is a species of filamentous green algae that is known for its unique shape and smooth complexion. This plant is very popular in Japan that it is considered a National Treasure. They even name it and take care of them as pets. Origins: The Marimo Moss Balls were first discovered in 1823 by the Dr. Anton Sauter, an Austrian Botanist, in Lake Zeller, Austria and was soon discovered in Japan by Tetsuya...

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The Feng Shui of Marimo Balls

The Marimo  literally means “ball seaweed” in Japanese. It is more commonly referred to as a Moss Ball in English. It is a unique form of green algae that can be found in only a few places around the world. Although they were initially discovered in Austria in the early 1800s, today they are usually found in Japan, Iceland, and other countries with similar northern climates. What may seem like a simple ball of algae is actually a highly regarded...

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How to Treat a Sick Marimo Moss Ball

Although Marimo balls can withstand a range of temperatures and water conditions, color changes may indicate that something is wrong. Below are signs to look for, and what you can do. White Marimo or Color Loss: If your Marimo is turning white or loses its lush green coloring, it's probably receiving too much sunlight. If it also seems a bit slimy or develops an unusual texture, it may have a hostile algae growing around it. Carefully wash the hostile algae off or...

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Building a Marimo Colony via the Splitting Method of Propagation

Aegagropila linnaei, known in Japanese as “marimo,” is a species of green algae found predominately in Northern Lakes. These rare marimos have been found naturally growing as small lake colonies in Scotland, japan, Estonia and Iceland. In order to form, these marimo (they are often called “moss balls” as well, though the species has no relation to moss other than its green, velvety appearance) require very specific conditions: including low light, consistent and gentle wave flow—which is needed to form...

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Growing Your Own Personal Colony of Marimo Balls

The Marimo Moss Ball is a beautiful spherical algae ball, originating in Japan, that is highly sought after by many due to its natural shape and historical significance. It is a member of the Cladophoraceae family of algae, and goes by the Latin name Aegagropila linnaei. They are considered to be a national treasure in their country of origin after having been discovered in the early 1900s. Marimo Balls are appealing to people all over the world, mainly because they...

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A Beginner’s Introduction to Differentiating Real and Fake Marimo

A naturally occurring spherical plant sounds intriguing, doesn’t it? Enter the Marimo, an aquatic plant with a truly extraordinary form. Marimo – also known as Moss Balls – actually comprise of a large colony of green algae that group together and gradually grow into a round dense clump. The plants are so rare that they are only believed to grow naturally in Japan, Iceland, Scotland and Estonia although their enchanting yet bizarre shape has catapulted them into worldwide popularity; a...

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