Why are moss balls recalled?

Consumers should be advised that moss ball products purchased from PetSmart and Petco may be subject to a voluntary product recall. Zebra mussels are an aquatic invasive species (AIS) that can cause environmental and economic harm. Several species of algae comprise moss balls, which are two to five inches in diameter.

Why are moss balls being recalled?

Moss Balls purchased at Petco and PetSmart may be infected with invasive zebra mussels. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is urging aquarium owners to not only dispose of them, but to do it properly.

Why did PetSmart recall moss balls?

Dear Valued PetSmart^® Customer, We are voluntarily withdrawing the Marimo aquarium moss balls listed below due to invasive zebra mussels being found within a variety of moss ball products. Zebra mussels are regarded as one of the most destructive invasive species in North America.

Is it illegal to sell Marimo moss balls?

These moss ball shipments have been coming from Ukraine, which is native habitat for zebra mussels, according to Wesley Daniel, a fisheries biologist with the U.S. Geological Survey. It is illegal to own, sell or distribute live zebra mussels in the U.S.

Why are Marimo moss balls endangered?

"Unfortunately, marimo balls are endangered, being currently found in only half the lakes where they were once spotted," explained biologist Dora Cano-Ramirez of the University of Bristol. "This might be caused by changes in light penetration due to pollution.

INVASIVE ZEBRA MUSSELS on MARIMO MOSS Balls: What's the Latest? — Ep. 235

Can moss balls get pregnant?

Yes, Marimo will reproduce when they are kept in a large pool of water. However, it is not recommend to split up your Moss Ball Pets. Very often you may damage it and it can cause it to die. If you are lucky your Moss Ball Pets would reproduce and you would see a bump growing on them.

What's inside a marimo ball?

These balls are made up of filamentous green algae (Aegagropila Linnaei). This growth form of the algae is known from only two lakes in the world today; Lake Myvatn in Iceland (where it is called kúluskítur), and Lake Akan in Japan (where it is known as Marimo).

Why can't I buy moss balls?

The facility that imports the moss balls has been quarantined and all shipments of moss balls have been stopped, according to a news release from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. A moss ball is a species of green algae that is formed into a ball and is two to five inches in diameter.

Why are moss balls illegal in California?

They clog pipelines used for water filtration, render beaches unusable, and damage boats. These filter feeders outcompete other native species in infested rivers and lakes.

How do you dispose of moss balls?

Once one of the “destroy” steps are done, dispose of the moss ball and any of its packaging in a sealed plastic bag in the trash. If vinegar, boiling water, or bleach was used, the liquid can be disposed down a household drain. "Never pour into a storm drain where it could enter and damage local waterways," MDC says.

Are Marimo moss balls illegal in Canada?

Live zebra mussels have been found in moss (Marimo) balls that were imported into Alberta. Moss balls are commonly sold in pet and garden stores. Zebra mussels are listed under the Fisheries (Alberta) Act as a prohibited species. It is illegal to possess, release, sell or transport these species within the province.

Are moss balls still banned?

Consumers are not to purchase aquarium moss balls and are required to safely dispose of recently purchased moss balls using biological guidelines and industry-accepted best management practices.

Are moss balls invasive?

Zebra mussels have been detected within a variety of moss ball products designed for use in aquarium and water gardens. , Examples of these products are “Betta Buddy Marimo Balls” or “Marimo Balls”. Aquatic invasive species cause tremendous harm to our environment, our economy, and our health.

Are moss balls recalled?

Consumers should be advised that moss ball products purchased from PetSmart and Petco may be subject to a voluntary product recall. Zebra mussels are an aquatic invasive species (AIS) that can cause environmental and economic harm.

Can you buy marimo moss balls in the US?

Pet stores, including Petco and PetSmart, have resumed selling Marimo moss balls, which, as of September, must meet new federal safeguards. Moss balls, including implicated brands like “Beta Buddies,” can be legally imported into the U.S. only through John F.

Are moss balls animals?

A marimo is a rare growth form of the species where the algae grow into large green balls with a velvety appearance. Colonies of such balls are only known to form in Iceland, Scotland, Japan and Estonia. You might be thinking that marimo aren't actually pets, but in fact they are.

How long do moss balls live?

Marimo balls are regarded as good luck charms in Japan, and since they have been known to live to 200 years or longer, they are often kept as family heirlooms.

Are moss balls illegal in Canada?

It is illegal to introduce any aquatic organism into any region or Canadian waterbody where it is not indigenous unless authorized by federal or provincial law.

Are moss balls edible?

Koke is the Japanese word for moss and here spinach powder serves as a lifelike substitute. The edible moss ball is then and served on an apple puree. It's all very refreshing and very, very green.

Do moss balls have hearts?

Marimo Moss Balls, Heart-Shaped Live Plant, for Betta Fish, for Good Luck, Charm & Prosperity, for Every Occasion, 2-Pieces.

Are Marimo alive?

They're cute. And they're alive, but they don't act like it! A bit of a misnomer, marimo moss balls are actually not moss at all but a colony of freshwater algae. They're native to northern Europe as well as parts of Asia and prefer cold, alkaline water and not a lot of light.

How do moss balls have babies?

They usually reproduce through budding. This is an asexual form of reproduction that can take place when the moss ball is big enough and has enough room to continue growing. You might notice a little bump forming on its rounded surface and that is how you can tell that it is creating another marimo!

Can you keep a moss ball in a jar?

They're billed as a low-maintenance houseplant, and that they are: just stick your ball(s) in a jar of water in bright light and, well, that's it. That's right, a jar of water.