This attractive red algae species is highly variable in both color and composition, depending on the species. It features fine, stiff, irregular shaped branches, that grow in very compact clumps. The coloration ranges from pale red to dull purple with a brilliant blueish-green iridescence. It’s typically found growing in fairly shallow water environments and is considered a turf algae. Like many turf algae, it can become invasive and quickly overgrow rocks and other plants, especially in reef aquaria. In the aquarium, specimens generally remain small, but mature plants can grow to about 12″. It does really well in captivity and is a great addition when allowed to cover portions of live rock. This species is not known to be palatable to fish.
Scientific Name: Chondria Sp.
Common Name: Chondria
Origin: Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic, Caribbean, S. Pacific
Maximum Height : 12″
Growth Rate: Moderate
Light: Moderate to High
Temperature: 78-86
Propagation: Fragmentation, Sporulation
Difficulty: Easy
Food Value: Not very palatable
Nutrient Uptake: Good
Flow Rate: Moderate to High