SafePlants

Water Moss (Fontinalis spp.)

Water moss, also known as brook moss or fountain moss, belongs to the genus Fontinalis. These mosses are commonly found in flowing freshwater streams.

Considerations for Pets

• Some sources mention "Salvinia natans - floating watermoss" in the context of pet supplies. While not directly related to Fontinalis, it indicates that aquatic mosses in general may be used in pet environments, suggesting potential for accidental ingestion or habitat disruption in aquariums.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Genus: Fontinalis
• Family: Fontinalaceae
• Subclass: Bryidae
• Species (Example): Fontinalis antipyretica Hedw. (Common water moss)
• Synonyms: Brook moss, fountain moss

Distribution and Habitat

• Fontinalis species are often found in flowing freshwater streams.
• Fontinalis antipyretica is a British native.
• Montane soft water moss springs exist in well-lit, lime-poor waters of the Palaearctic domaine (montane, sometimes collinar, lowland or subalpine).

Morphological Characteristics

• Common water moss (Fontinalis antipyretica) is a dark green underwater plant that attaches to rocks.
• It is the largest aquatic moss, with shoots 5 to 8 mm wide and often exceeding 15 cm in length.
• The leaves are 4 to 5 mm long and strongly folded inwards.
• It has dark green branched stems and foliage when submerged.

Ecological Role

• Fontinalis antipyretica is a submerged oxygenator, adding oxygen to ponds.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The text references "Water Moss Slime," suggesting an interaction with elemental creatures within a game context.

Further Information

• The text mentions the river Elbe in middle Germany as a location where Fontinalis antipyretica has been used to estimate heavy metal pollution.
• Wikimedia Commons hosts files such as "Aquarium Watermoss (Salvinia adnata).jpg".
• Shutterstock offers watermoss stock photos, vectors, and illustrations.