HALIMEDA OPUNTIA

An abundant, heavily calcified algae that is a major producer of carbonate sand throughout the Caribbean. It features tight segments of calcified discs that form rather large mounds with several holdfasts anchoring each colony to rocks, sand and hard bottom. It is abundant in sea grass beds and the edges of channels mixed with other calcareous algae. In the aquarium it requires large amounts of calcium supplementation to grow, as it is very dense in composition. Given the right conditions for growth,  it can be used as a ground cover in large marine aquariums for a beautiful effect. This species is not usually available in the aquarium industry, but shows up from time to time.  Not very palatable to fish.

Aquarium Care Information

Scientific Name: Halimeda Opuntia

Common Name: Unknown

Origin: Atlantic, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico

Depth Collected: 4-70 Feet

Maximum Height : 10"

Growth Rate: Moderate

Light: Moderate to High

Temperature: 76-86

Propagation: Fragmentation, Sporulation

Difficulty: Easy

Food Value: Not Palatable

Nutrient Uptake: Fair

Flow Rate: Moderate

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Green Macro Algae

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