Why did Petco stop selling Marimo moss balls?

To aid in the investigation and prevent potential spread, we immediately paused the sale of all Marimo aquarium moss balls. We are working closely with regulatory authorities, Petco vendors and our own veterinary staff on appropriate next steps, including proper handling and disposal of any affected product.

Can you still buy Marimo moss balls?

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.

Does Petco sell Marimo Balls?

Two products were involved: Marimo Moss Ball Plant Grab & Go and Mini Marimo Moss Balls, officials said. PetSmart and Petco are now removing the product from their shelves, state officials said.

Why are Marimo moss balls recalled?

Biologists with the commission discovered invasive zebra mussels inside the products labeled as "Marimo Moss Ball Plant Grab & Go" and "Mini Marimo Moss Balls." The products have been recalled, according to Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Utilities.

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.

Moss Balls Getting Banned? What You NEED To Know

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.

Does PetSmart still sell moss balls?

Fluval® Artificial Aquarium Moss Ball | fish Artificial Plants | PetSmart.

Does Petco have moss balls?

Exo-Terra Moss Ball | Petco.

How long do marimo balls last?

As the algae grows in these lakes, the movement of the waves causes them to gradually form into spheres of soft, green algae with a fuzzy, velvet-like texture. 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.

Is the fluval moss ball real?

The Fluval Moss Ball looks exactly like the spheres of Cladophora algae sold as decorative features for small tanks and especially popular in the shrimp world. However, these synthetic versions come with a bonus.

Why is my Marimo Moss Ball turning brown?

Clean your marimo enclosure with a brush if algae begins to grow on tank surface. If your marimo turn brown, make sure they're moved to a cooler location with less direct light. They may recover and turn green again on their own. If not, you may add a tiny amount of aquarium ocean salt.

Are marimo moss balls illegal in the US?

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 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.

Can you buy moss balls again?

For this reason, once you can buy moss balls again, you'll want to look for those that are domestically cultivated using environmentally friendly methods at select plant stores and aquarium supply shops.

Do moss balls have babies?

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 do you feed Marimo balls?

No food or fertilizers are needed since they create their own food through photosynthesis. It's okay to use fertilizer for other plants in the tank, which may promote faster growth. Marimo balls grow slowly: up to 5 mm per year, eventually reaching 2 to 5 inches in aquariums, or 8 to 12 inches in natural conditions.

Where can you find a moss ball?

In reality Marimo “moss balls” (Aegagropila linnaei) are a type of green algae that naturally grows into a spherical shape. They are native to Japan and Northern Europe where they grow in cold freshwater lakes.

Do moss balls produce oxygen?

Like plants in general, moss balls suck up CO₂ and release oxygen into the water. If you don't like noisy air stones, some Marimo moss balls are a great addition to help you oxygenate your tank.

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.

What Moss does PetSmart sell?

Thrive Sphagnum Reptile Moss | reptile Substrate & Bedding | PetSmart.

What does marimo mean in Japanese?

The Meaning of "Marimo":

The name, however, is somewhat of a misnomer as 'mari' means ball and 'mo' means algae in Japanese. Due to the negative implications of the term 'algae, 'these balls are usually referred to as moss even though they are formed by strings of algae rolled together to form a ball.