Macro algae : Cryptonemia crenulata

Cyptonemia crenulata

CARE : Easy, undemanding under normal reef conditions

GROWTH : Moderate, once settled.

INVASIVE? : Not invasive due to growth from singular holdfasts.

LIGHTING : Medium 

FLOW: Medium to strong, requires good movement to stop diatoms growing on its fronds and debris settling.

VARIATION : Higher light results in more translucent pink fronds, lower light results in slower growth of more substantial maroon fronds.

HOLDFAST ATTACHMENT TIME : moderate (months)

NUTRIENT UPTAKE : Moderate

SPECIES INFORMATION:

A common but localised Caribbean species. Easily recognisable and distinct.  A central holdfast gives rise to a flexible, yet tough, branching thalli and long oval serrated fronds, ressembling terrestrial tree leaves. Fronds are slightly calcified with a texture similar to baking paper.

Totally at home in strong random flow, mimicking it's natural habitat where it is often found in the main tide flow of reefs, adorned with gorgonians, attached to its fronds.

CUTTING INFORMATION:

You will receive an actively growing single main thallus 'stem' with a portion of old thallus growth, capable of differentiating into a holdfast. The cutting will have a few small new fronds and some larger older fronds near its base. Cuttings will be around 10cm.

Please be aware, as this species grows from its tips, older, larger, more established fronds often do not look as pristine as new ones missing small pieces. These older fronds are rich in 'energy reserves' that help the formation of new growth and differentiation of holfasts.