All species of Gracilaria are highly variable depending on the environment collected, which can make proper identification difficult. G. tikvahiae features a orange to deep red coloration with long, slender, somewhat flattened branches attached by a single holdfast. This species is found in depths of 10ft to about 40ft, attached to hard bottom and rock outcroppings. Species of tikvahiae can also be encountered as free floating specimens, lacking any holdfast, composed of a large circular clump. This particular red algae does very well in the marine aquarium or refugium and is a great food source for fish. It’s growth is slow to moderate depending on the availability of light and nutrients. Most species of Gracilaria will do well in captivity under a variety of conditions as long as there are sufficient nutrients present. Tumbling the algae aids in keeping the tissue in constant suspension with the water for optimum health. This species is very palatable to tangs and angels as well as other herbivores.
Scientific Name: Gracilaria tikvahiae
Common Name: Red Gracilaria
Origin: Gulf of Mexico. Atlantic, Caribbean
Maximum Height : 16″
Growth Rate: Moderate
Light: Moderate to High
Temperature: 78-86
Propagation: Fragmentation, Sporulation
Difficulty: Easy
Food Value: Palatable
Nutrient Uptake: Good
Flow Rate: Moderate