Macro algae : Caulerpa cylindracea

Caulerpa cylindracea

CARE : Easy, undemanding under normal reef conditions

GROWTH : Fast to Very fast, once settled

INVASIVE? : Although a fast grower, this species grows attached to thick holdfasts, left unchecked it has the ability spread from these runners very fast. However it is extremely easy to remove, simply lifting a holdfast and the alage can be removed in seconds. For this reason we would not class it as invasive, however removal of holdfasts from areas it is not wished to be in would be prudent if kept in the main display, with corals.

LIGHTING : All lighting

FLOW: All flow ranges, requires some movement to stop debris settling on fronds

VARIATION : Higher light results in shorter fatter fronds

HOLDFAST ATTACHMENT TIME : Extremely fast 

NUTRIENT UPTAKE : Exceptional

SPECIES INFORMATION:

This is a truly impressive nutrient export algae and quite rare in the hobby. For our money perhaps sharing the top spot for nutrient removal with Caulerpa taxifolia. 

Indigenous to the Southwest coast of Australia it has found its way into most adjoining oceans and can colonise a variety of ecosystems.

This species will form its own  'runners'  through a substrate, from which structural thick fronds will grow (capable of reaching over 20cm in height). It can also be grown without substrate, and the runners will simply attach to the aquarium/sump base or rockwork.

Whilst it will grow quite happily over rockwork it is more at home, growing in sand or mud and is perfectly suited for paring with miracle mud in a refugium for superlative nutrient export. 

CUTTING INFORMATION:

You will receive an actively growing holdfast runner with a MINIMUM of 5 adult fronds growing from the holdfast stock. The main runner will have secondary vertical runners growing off it,  ready for you to bury into you substrate should you wish.