Macro algae : Gracilaria mammarillis

Gracilaria mammarillis

CARE : Very easy, undemanding under normal reef conditions.

GROWTH : Fast once settled.

INVASIVE? : Fast growing and will require pruning, in the display aquarium. Whilst not invasive and easy to remove should it grow where not appreciated it can grow vigorously from fragmented fronds. For this reason it is a good idea to remove any pieces that are broken off, should you not wish them to grow a new colony where they settle.

LIGHTING : All lighting.

FLOW: Medium to High, requires good movement to stop debris settling between the tight knit fronds.

VARIATION : low flow results in it forming much tighter knit 'plates' of fronds.

HOLDFAST ATTACHMENT TIME : Fast

NUTRIENT UPTAKE : Very Good

SPECIES INFORMATION:

A staple species, long available in the hobby. Found throughout most tropical oceans on the planet. This species has a remarkable ability to tolerate a massive range of salinities (between 5ppt and 40ppt) and as such is often found attached to rocks and mangrove roots in intertidal zones.

This species not particulary palatable to most herbivours and displays a slightly calcified tough dichotenous branching frond structure.

One of the best Species of algae in the hobby at providing a safe haven and habitat for micro fauna (only rivalled by Codium edule and Hypnea pannosa). Colonies of this in the aquarium are often teaming with copepods, amphipods, micro brittlestars etc.

Great for pairing with 'pod' feeding fish, providing a feeding station for them!

CUTTING INFORMATION:

Cuttings are taken from mature fronds on the bottom 'plate' of an F1 colony and will measure around 3cm x 3cm. Taken from this location they will quickly differentitate into holdfasts and attach to your rockwork, before growing fresh new growth (which is much more 'pristine' looking and brighter red than the holdfast stock.)