Pearl Moss (Micranthemum micranthemoides)

Category: Aquatic Plants
Scientific Name: Micranthemum micranthemoides
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Lighting: Medium to High
CO₂ Requirements: Not required but highly beneficial

Pearl Moss is a fine-textured aquatic plant prized for its dense, delicate growth and bright green coloration. Although commonly referred to as a moss, Pearl Moss is actually a stem plant, not a true moss. Its small rounded leaves and compact branching habit give it a soft, moss-like appearance that works beautifully in aquascapes.

When grown submerged, Pearl Moss forms tight clumps or low bushes that can be trimmed and shaped into foreground carpets, midground mounds, or attached arrangements on hardscape. Under stronger lighting and stable conditions, the plant produces visible oxygen bubbles along its leaves, creating the signature “pearling” effect that inspired its common name.

Pearl Moss adapts well to a variety of layouts including shrimp tanks, nano aquariums, and nature-style aquascapes. While CO₂ is not required, supplementation greatly improves growth speed, leaf density, and overall compactness. Regular trimming encourages horizontal spread and prevents the plant from becoming leggy.

This plant also provides excellent shelter for shrimp and fry, offering dense cover and biofilm-rich surfaces while maintaining a clean, bright aesthetic in the aquarium.

Bonus Tip

Frequent light trimming encourages Pearl Moss to grow outward instead of upward, helping it form lush cushions or carpets rather than tall stems.

Complete your shrimp order with some vibrant plants! They provide essential hiding spots and enhance the natural look of your tank, creating a healthier, more enriching environment for your shrimp. Add plants to your order for a thriving, beautiful setup!

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