Halymenia elongata features long, tubular branches, that are attached by a single holdfast to form tight symmetrical clumps. It’s both gelatinous and fleshy ranging in color from yellow to pinkish-red. The tips of each individual branch can be both rounded or split into multiple finger-like appendages. At first glance, it often resembles Gracilaria, as the appearance is very similar. It occurs in moderate to deep water habitats up to 100ft. In the aquarium, its needs are very similar to other varieties of Halymenia, but it can be more challenging to keep in the aquarium due to it’s large cell structure. This species is often encountered as drift algae, but grows attached to hard bottom, rocks and shells in high flow habitats. Individual specimens are rarely available for hobbyists, but are occasionally offered by some marine life collectors in Florida. Like most species of Halymenia it is palatable to fish and invertebrates.
Scientific Name: Halymenia elongata
Common Name: Red Finger Algae
Origin: Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico
Maximum Height : 12″
Growth Rate: Moderate
Light: Moderate to High
Temperature: 72-82
Propagation: Fragmentation, Sporulation
Difficulty: Moderate
Food Value: Palatable
Nutrient Uptake: Good
Flow Rate: Moderate to High