Halymenia floresia

Species of Halymenia are a very unique and add an interesting aesthetic to a marine aquarium. It features striking flame shaped blades and pink or red coloration. It's gelatinous, smooth and delicate. This particular species grows offshore attached to rocks and hard bottom by a single holdfast to depths of about 65'. Single specimens can grow quite large and reach heights of about 12" or so. Halymenia requires good water quality and moderate to high flow to maintain its slippery fleshy blades. In the aquarium they will seldom attach so they must be anchored or allowed to tumble as free floating specimens. Because the tissue is thin like ulva, it can fragment easily in the aquarium so tank overflows need to be protected. Halymenia is very palatable and is readily eaten by both Tangs and Angels.

Scientific Name: Halymenia floresia

Common Name: Red Sea Lettuce, Dragons Tongue

Origin: Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, Tropical Atlantic

Depth Collected: 20-130 feet

Maximum Height: 20"

Growth Rate: Slow

Light: Moderate to Low

Temperature: 78-84

Propagation: Fragmentation, sporulation

Difficulty: Moderate

Food Value: Very palatable

Nutrient Uptake: Good

Flow Rate: Moderate to High

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