Lobophora sp.

Lobophora is similar in shape and composition to species of Padina but it's more rigid and holds it's shape out of water. This species features smooth, ruffled discs, with coloration ranging from brownish-yellow to mottled green. Depending on the species, it can be found in variable depths from 3 feet to up to 300 feet deep. The species native to Florida grows in shallow attached to hard bottom to about 15' deep. Unlike Padina, it's not calcified, but has a rubbery or fleshy texture. Brown algae species can be difficult to keep in the aquarium, but Lobophora is one of the hardiest specimens available. It does so well in reef tanks that it can quickly take over live rock. This species is not known to be palatable to fish.

Scientific Name: Lobophora sp.

Common Name: Lobophora

Origin: Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, S. Pacific

Depth Collected: 3 - 300 feet

Maximum Height : 10 blade"

Growth Rate: Moderate

Light: Moderate to Low

Temperature: 78-82

Propagation: Fragmentation, Sporulation

Difficulty: Moderate

Food Value: Somewhat palatable

Nutrient Uptake: Good

Flow Rate: Moderate to Low

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