canopies. Anubias tend to grow very slowly (almost glacially in some cases), so this makes them good for those looking for
less trimming in their weekly maintenance, though it will take a while for a small specimen to really leaf out. It is also for
this reason that these plants can be more expensive in stores, but they are worth the wait.
Anubias are also (apparently), bad tasting to many herbivorous fish. Some may be nibbled, but then left alone. This makes
this plant a good choice for aquariums where other plants are likely to be quickly eaten by it's residents.
Like java fern, anubias roots are chiefly for anchorage, so tie the rhizome to a rock or piece of wood and it will attach itself in
time. It can also be used to add interest to rockwork and wood crevices, though given it's greater aversion to bright light, it is
best left in the mid to lower tank sections.
It can also be propagated via carefully cutting the rhizome, though ensure it has a good few leaves on it to support growth or
it may die back.
3. Mosses
While more aquatic moss varieties are increasing in availability to hobbyists, I will focus on the tried and tested Java
(Taxiphyllum barbieri) moss here. Chances are, your fish will die before this stuff. I personally have had clumps of this in a
spare quarantine tank which has no light and has both heater and filter switched off unless it is in use (which is rarely). I also
live in a part of Australia where winters can be sub zero at night, and barely a few degrees in my home. It soldiers on – no
real growth, but it lives and recovers quickly when placed into a new well lit tank.
Under favorable tank conditions, however, java moss will take off from where ever you place it and grow into a tangled
green, fluffy ball that slowly but surely attaches to anything nearby. Just gently poke it onto crevices, tie it t