Galaxaura

A very attractive species of red macro algae that features heavily calcified tubular branches attached by a single holdfast to rocks, coral fragments and hard bottom. The ends of each branch are flattened and are usually pink or white. Depending on the species and depth collected, they're found in a variety of colorations ranging from orange, red or purple. They're two distinct species found in Florida, Galaxaura rugosa (pictured below) and Galaxaura obtusata (right). G obtusata grows much larger than rugosa and has a softer tissue which loses it's form somewhat when out of water. Both species prefer slightly cooler water temperatures between 70 -78 degrees which is why it's usually collected in the Spring and Fall season when ocean temps are mild. Both species are a good aquarium specimens but need calcium supplementation, bright illumination and moderate to high current.

Scientific Name: Galaxaura rugosa, Galaxaura obtusata

Common Name: Pom Pom Algae

Origin: Indonesia, Caribbean, S. Pacific

Maximum Height : 6"

Growth Rate: Slow

Light: High

Temperature: 70-78

Propagation: Fragmentation, Sporulation

Difficulty: Moderate

Food Value: Not Palatable

Nutrient Uptake: Fair

Flow Rate: Moderate to High

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