TURBINARIA SP.

A very unique and interesting brown macro algae that grows in several different forms worldwide. T. Turbinaria (pictured right) and  T. Tricostata feature a tall main branch that bears clusters of triangular shaped leaves. The clusters are tough and rubbery, attached by a single holdfast to rock and hard bottom in moderate to highly turbulent water. Turbinaria Ornata (below) is similar, but lacks the tall main axis and grows as small tight clusters firmly attached to rocks. The teeth on each leaf are more pronounced and have a more rounded appearance. Turbinaria is used as an effective bait to catch Tangs and other herbivores in Hawaii. They grow in very shallow water, to 15 feet, often completely exposed during low tide. Although they are very hardy, they can be challenging to grow in the aquarium, requiring brightly illuminated tanks with good water circulation. Most species do well if placed near the top of the aquascape with good flow.

Turbinaria Turbinaria  

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Turbinaria Ornata

Aquarium Care Information

Scientific Name: Turbinaria Sp.

Common Name: Turbinaria

Origin: Caribbean, Hawaii, Indo-Pacific

Depth Collected: 3 - 15 feet

Maximum Height : 2'

Growth Rate: Slow

Light: High

Temperature: 68-78

Propagation: Fragmentation, Sporulation

Difficulty: Advanced

Food Value: Palatable to some fish

Nutrient Uptake: Fair

Flow Rate: Moderate to High

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Brown Macro Algae

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