Macro algae : Gracilaria Hayii ("Burning Bush")

Gracilaria hayii ("Burning bush")

CARE : Easy, undemanding under normal reef conditions

GROWTH : moderate, once settled.

INVASIVE? : Not invasive, grows in a compact bush form, although pieces broken off do have the ability to differentiate into new colonies if left.

LIGHTING : Most lighting 

FLOW: Medium to strong, requires good movement to keep detritus from amongst fronds and stop been colonised with diatoms, especially under high light.

VARIATION : High light results in a more compact dense, bush like appearance.

HOLDFAST ATTACHMENT TIME : Moderate (Weeks-Months )

NUTRIENT UPTAKE : Average

SPECIES INFORMATION:

This is a rare and extremely localised algae in the wild, found in distinct pockets in the Caribbean region. Growing as dichotenous flat fronds, often twisted to give a 'busH like' compact, colony growth form. Unlike other flat Gracilari species that tend to grow more in a "plate like" formation.

This algae makes an attractive focal point in aquaria, growing to a decent size but keeping its compact 'pompom' like form.

Slightly calcified and generally considered inedible by most herbivours, it's a great tough all rounder (Saying this, it would still be hit or miss to keep with aggressive herbivour such as fox face/tangs etc)

CUTTING INFORMATION:

You will receive a dichotenously branched thallus with fresh growth tips aswell as older substatial growth toward the bottom of the thallus, capable of differentiating a holdfast. Cuttings will be around 5cm.