- Sku: MITAIWP
- Vendor: Squeaky's Aquatics
Taiwan Moss (Taxiphyllum alternans)
Taiwan Moss (Taxiphyllum alternans) is a hardy, beginner-friendly aquarium moss with branching, overlapping fronds that form a soft, draping green carpet. It attaches to driftwood and rock, needs no CO2 or special lighting, and is a favorite for shrimp tanks, moss walls, and natural aquascapes. Sold as a live portion cup. Browse the rest of our freshwater aquarium plants to build out your scape.
Care Guide
Taiwan Moss is one of the easiest mosses to grow. Tie or glue a thin layer onto driftwood or rock and it will anchor itself with tiny rhizoids over a few weeks, then spread into a lush mat. It thrives in low to medium light and does not require CO2, though brighter light and added CO2 produce denser, faster growth.
Trim it with scissors to keep the shape you want, and the clippings can be attached elsewhere to start new patches. It is completely shrimp-safe and traps the biofilm and microfauna that shrimp and fry graze on, which makes it a staple in shrimp and breeding tanks. Keep gentle flow moving through it to prevent detritus from settling.
Specifications
| Common Name | Taiwan Moss |
| Scientific Name | Taxiphyllum alternans |
| Plant Type | Moss (epiphyte) |
| Care Level | Beginner |
| Lighting | Low to medium |
| CO2 | Not required |
| Growth Rate | Medium |
| Placement | Attaches to driftwood and rock, foreground to midground |
| Temperature | 68 to 82°F |
| pH | 5.5 to 8.0 |
| Availability | In-store pickup only |
Aquascaping & Placement
Use Taiwan Moss for moss walls, carpets, and dressing driftwood and rock. Secure it with cotton thread, fishing line, or a dab of aquascaping plant glue until it attaches on its own. It layers beautifully with other mosses for added texture and depth.
Recommended Pairings
- Seachem Flourish Glue for attaching moss to hardscape
- Java Moss, Flame Moss, and more live aquarium plants
- Freshwater shrimp and nano fish that love grazing on moss
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it need to be planted in substrate?
No. Taiwan Moss is an epiphyte, so attach it to driftwood or rock rather than burying it. It does not root in the substrate.
Do I need CO2 or special lighting?
No. It grows under standard lighting with no CO2, though both will speed up and thicken growth.
Is it safe for shrimp?
Yes. Taiwan Moss is completely shrimp-safe and is one of the best plants for shrimp and fry to graze and hide in.
How do I get my plants?
These are in-store pickup only. We hold your order and cup it fresh when you arrive.
Have a question?
Taiwan Moss (Taxiphyllum alternans)
