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Aquarium
Care Information |
Scientific Name: Dictoya
Sp.
Common Name: Iridescent
Algae
Origin: Worldwide
Distribution
Depth Collected:
3
- 50 feet
Maximum Height :
12"
Growth Rate: Moderate
Light: Moderate
to High
Temperature: 72-86
Propagation: Fragmentation,
Sporulation
Difficulty: Moderate Food Value: Somewhat
Palatable
Nutrient Uptake:
Good
Flow Rate:
Moderate to High
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Species
of the brown algae Dictoya are highly variable in size, shape and
coloration. Some feature a brilliant blue iridescence, while
others are more olive brown, such as Dictoya Cervicornis (pictured
right). They are fast growers that are abundant in the shallow
reef flats as well as the low tide zone. The blades are flat and
thin and often form entangled clumps attached to rocks, shells and
hard bottom habitat. All varieties are very delicate, tear easily
and can often clog pumps and filters. When introduced to the
aquarium, many species are highly invasive and can be a nuisance,
especially in reef aquaria. For most hobbyists, the larger bladed
species are desirable because they do not typically grow out of
control.
