Macro algae : Codium edule

Codium edule

CARE : Easy, undemanding under normal reef conditions

GROWTH : Slow to moderate once settled

INVASIVE? : No, slow growth and holdfasts that rarely directly penetrate rockwork make this totally none invasive.

LIGHTING : All lighting

FLOW: Moderate to high, requires good flow to stop debris settling between the fronds.

VARIATION : low light results in slower growth but a more compact convoluted growth form on the fronds.

HOLDFAST ATTACHMENT TIME : Moderate (weeks). 

NUTRIENT UPTAKE : Moderate

SPECIES INFORMATION:

An Indo-Pacific species found growing on rocky substrate in shallow reefs and tidepools.

A unique species with a deep green, tough, sponge like thallus, adorned with thousands of tiny hairs. Branched thalli intertwine with each other forming a 'gnarled' knotted appearance in a compact colony with very little gaps between them. Giving rise to its common name of "Sea cushion".

This algae is an absolute king when it comes to creating a refuge and safe haven for beneficial micro fauna such as copepods, micro brittlestars, and amphipods. All feeding on detritus, which it traps in its hairs. Great for providing a breeding ground and refuge away from pod feeders such as pipefish and mandarins! Our resident mandarin "Cannonball" (he's a bit on the porky side) spends most of his life sat by a clump of codium, picking pods off it as they emerge!!

CUTTING INFORMATION:

You will receive a small healed frond ball, around the diameter of a 50p piece, taken from the underside of out F1 colony.

As this algae is somewhat colonial the cutting will be made up of multiple intertwined thalli, which you can split to grow individual colonies or simply grow as one.