Marimo Moss ball from petsmart- how can i tell if it's real?

[tbonedeluxe]

I was at my local petsmart last week.
They look like the real deal to me. $7.99 each.

 

[cjccam]

Stupid Question from a Newbie: What is a Marimo Ball and can they live in salt tanks . . . they sound fascinating!

 

[TL1000RSquid]

Basically algae growth in a ball shape, they occur naturally in some japanese lakes. They definitely will not survive at 1.025 salinity, I've heard of people keeping them in brackish water before though.

 

[dougall]

http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?8870-My-big-balls

in case you needed further information.

 

[petluvr]

If it wasn't floating when you bought it and you squeezed it out it is probably real. They don't fill with air to sink, it's an algae they float until they become saturated.

 

[excuzzzeme]

Does it have a purple string tied to it?

 

[AquaticAustin]

its certainly real, they have a distinctly different appearance than a java moss ball. I just squeezed mine and put it in the tank and shrimp love it

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