An attractive, calcareous algae that is abundant on the reef flat and among sea grass beds commonly referred to as a pencil cap. It features a thick stem with a rounded, fine filament top. Its root-like structure is a large bulb with a series of rhizoids that anchor it to substrate and sometimes rocks. Mature plants reach a height of about 8″ and 2″-3″ in diameter. It occurs in shallow calm protected water to depths of 30 ft. In the aquarium the mature plant often dies to produce new plants at the base. Like most calcareous stem plants, it needs a deep sand bed of 4″ or more to grow in the aquarium. Calcium supplementation is needed. Not palatable to fish or invertebrates.
Scientific Name: Penicillus capitatus
Common Name: Pencil Cap
Origin: Atlantic, Caribbean
Depth Collected: 1-30 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: Low to Moderate