Taxiphyllum sp. 'Spiky Moss' - Tropica

Spiky Moss (Taxiphyllum sp. ‘Spiky’) | Christmas Moss’s Bigger, Bolder Cousin

Spiky Moss is an Asiatic moss that is best described as Christmas Moss’s big brother. It is larger and bolder, and it forms many deep green, branched shoots that fan out in a distinctive, almost feathery pattern. It grows 1–4 inches (2–10 cm) tall, giving it plenty of texture and presence on hardscape, where it looks more like a miniature forest than a flat mat.

It grows at a good pace, is happy in very low light, and is easy to look after, which makes it suitable for beginners and a good option for low-tech and shaded tanks.

Care at a Glance

• Scientific name: Taxiphyllum sp. ‘Spiky’
• Also known as: Spiky Moss
• Origin: Asia
• Type: Moss
• Growth rate: Medium to fast
• Height: 1–4+ inches (3–10+ cm)
• Light demand: Low, and thrives in very low light
• CO2: Not required
• Best placement: Vertical surfaces such as driftwood and rock, or as a carpet in the foreground

Using Spiky Moss

Spiky Moss does best on vertical surfaces, where its branched shoots show to full effect. Attach it to driftwood, rocks, or hardscape using fishing line, thread, or aquarium-safe glue, and it will gradually spread and cover the surface with deep green growth.

It can also be used as a carpet. Plant small tufts into the substrate with a small gap between each one, and they will grow together into a lush, textured cover. Anchoring the tufts with a small stone or a piece of mesh until they take hold keeps them in place.

Trimming and Maintenance

Trim with sharp scissors to keep the shoots tidy and the shape compact. Regular, light trimming encourages dense, healthy growth, and trimmed pieces can be reattached elsewhere to start new patches. Gentle cleaning with a turkey baster helps keep debris from settling in the branches.

Compatible With

• All community fish, shrimp, and snails
• Excellent in shrimp tanks, where the dense, branched shoots offer cover for shrimplets and plenty of biofilm for grazing
• Suited to low-tech setups, nano tanks, and nature-style aquascapes
• Works well alongside Anubias, Java Fern, and other epiphytic plants on shared pieces of driftwood or rockwork