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I want a marimo, and a local pet store supplies them but from what I've gathered from the internet, there are some pet shops that sell "Marimo" but are just java moss rolled into a ball or around a ball.

Is there a sure way to distinguish an actual marimo from Java moss ball that is trying to imitate marimo?

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Alright, thank you everyone for their help! ^^ I now know! Thanks!
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^^ may 15
I got myself a Marimo ball!

+++UPDATE++
After a Year or so of having Mr. Reed....he has finally decided to break apart on me. D: bawwwwww...
I pulled it apart fluffed it up and rolled it back into a ball held lightly together with some twine, hopefully it will grow back. >w> and just for kicks I turned the whole thing inside out. Maybe it will encourage some more robust growth.

Does it feel like the top of a tennis ball?

A Marimo on the left, and Singapore Java moss on the right.

Java Moss has a feathery structure and is very good at clinging to things. As long as the surface is rough and it is left alone (aka not pushed around by fish) it will attach itself to anything and slowly grow.
Its a hardy plant that does well with any amount of light and current. Also one of the few plants that can survive in a goldfish tank.

The Marimo has a different structure. It is indeed like a tennisball. It loves bright light and a lot of current. If ut doesn't get enough current it will fall appart. A lack of light can also cause it to die.

Hope this helps.

lol. i like these things. i saw some at the pet store for the first time the other day!

i considered buying one but they're like $10 each. bah.

maybe when i'm not a starving student.

Thanks for the help you guys. I have a marimo now.

Its been about a year since I've gotten one.

Petrosoap, if you're still looking for one get one off of ebay, they go from as low as .99 USD cent.

Also you can also check out Velvet Notes (google her) she's a Marimo distributor from China she knows her stuff. biggrin