Marimo moss balls are quite versatile and can safely coexist with many aquatic organisms. Here are the safest companions:
Fish:
- Small, peaceful community fish like tetras, guppies, mollies, and platies work well since they won’t damage the moss balls
- Bottom dwellers like corydoras catfish and otocinclus catfish are excellent choices - otos will even help keep the moss balls clean by eating algae off them
- Betta fish can coexist peacefully with marimo balls and often enjoy resting on them
Invertebrates:
- Freshwater shrimp (cherry shrimp, amano shrimp, ghost shrimp) are ideal companions - they’ll graze on biofilm and debris on the moss balls without harming them
- Most freshwater snails like nerite snails, mystery snails, and ramshorn snails are safe, though some may occasionally nibble on the moss balls
Plants:
- Other low-light aquatic plants like java fern, anubias, java moss, and hornwort complement marimo balls well
- Floating plants can provide additional filtration and don’t compete for bottom space
What to avoid:
- Large, aggressive fish that might tear apart the moss balls
- Fish known to be plant-eaters like some cichlids, goldfish, or large plecos
- Crayfish or large crabs that might shred the moss balls with their claws
The key is choosing peaceful organisms that won’t view the marimo balls as food or territory to defend. Marimo balls actually benefit tank ecosystems by providing slow, steady oxygenation and helping maintain water quality.c
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