A calcareous algae that is very popular in the aquarium. It features a broad, dark green, fan shaped top that can grow as large as 12″ or more. A cluster of rhizoids holds the plant upright and securely in the substrate. The large base (rhizoids) 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 needed and will provide optimum growth of up to 1″ per day. Not palatable to fish or invertebrates.
Scientific Name: Udotea flabellum
Common Name: Mermaid’s Fan
Origin: Atlantic, Caribbean
Depth Collected: 3-60 Feet
Maximum Height : 12″
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