A heavily calcified algae that is abundant in shallow habitats to 40 feet deep. It features stiff, segmented fronds that are irregular and flat shaped. It grows in different forms, some forming large clumps and others with just 5-6 branches. Mature plants can grow as tall as 8″ or so, but most will stay small in an aquarium. A large cluster of rhizoids holds the plant upright and securely in the substrate. The large root like structure can extend several inches below the substrate, where “shoots” form new plants from the parent colony. When conditions are favorable in the aquarium, this species will reproduce rapidly by producing new plants near the base. Like many of the calcareous algae that grow exclusively in substrate, it needs a deep sand bed of 4″ or more. Calcium supplementation is also needed to keep successfully in the aquarium. Not palatable to fish or invertebrates.
Scientific Name: Halimeda incrassata
Common Name: Halimeda
Origin: Atlantic, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico
Depth Collected: 3-40 Feet
Maximum Height : 8″
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