The moss commonly referred to as "Peacock Moss"

[CO2]

It's been said that "Peacock Moss" should not be called by that name since there is already a moss with that common name and because it may be the same as Spiky Moss.

What should we call it then? It's my favorite moss, and is getting to be popular, if it doesn't get another name soon it may never get one. Also, would the professor be able to compare Peacock and Spiky to see if they are the same and what species they are? I bought both many months ago, and to tell you the truth, I'm not sure which is which since they have been moved around and they may be the same anyways. I can send samples of what I have if it will help.

Thanks.

[timebomb]

Unfortunately, when I brought the Spiky Moss to the professor a few months ago, I was unable to give him a sample of the so-called Peacock Moss at the same time. I still do not have the Peacock Moss but I've seen it around in the fish shops. It's not confirmed yet but it's highly likely they are one and the same moss. By all appearances, they look the same. And the other telling point - they both appeared in the market at about the same time too.

Craig, if you can't tell the difference between the 2 mosses in your tank, I would suggest you call them both Spiky Moss. I appreciate your offer to send samples very much but if you can't be certain which is which, then they wouldn't be of any use to the professor.

Loh K L

[shihyong]

Hi Loh,

I have both the mosses.
They 'look' no different at all.

Please PM me your address and contact number, I will pass it to you later.

ShihYong

[timebomb]

Thanks for being so generous, Shih Yong but if you say they don't look any different, how do you tell one from the other? Do you keep them in separate tanks?

Loh K L

[shihyong]

I grow them in same tank but tie on different wood in order to see differences. I got them from the guy who posted an article on differences of 'spiky moss' vs 'peacock moss'.

I will leave it to the domain expert to identify if there is any difference.

[timebomb]

Shih Yong,

I suppose you are referring to this site which highlights pictures of Spiky and Peacock Mosses placed side by side. Frankly, I'm puzzled why the good folks at aquamoss.net insist there's a difference when its quite apparent from their own pictures that there are none. It's obvious from the site that the hobbyists at aquamoss have a great passion for mosses but by using the Peacock name, they serve only to confuse.

With the aquarium mosses, we know the fronds take on different shapes and colours under different conditions. In certain tanks, Spiky Moss can look just like Erect. I'll show you all a picture later.

Loh K L

[CO2]

Craig, if you can't tell the difference between the 2 mosses in your tank, I would suggest you call them both Spiky Moss. I appreciate your offer to send samples very much but if you can't be certain which is which, then they wouldn't be of any use to the professor.

Loh K L

Very good point Loh, I should have thought more carefully about that.

I will just consider the moss to be Spiky from now on. Whatever species it is, no other moss compares, at least in my humble opinion.