Caulerpa mexicana has a deep green color with beautiful segmented fronds. It grows rather compact in turbulent environments, but can extend into larger leaflets up to 6″ tall in calmer conditions. Attaches with rhizomes to rocks, coral fragments as well as sandy and mud bottoms in shallow protected areas. This species is very adaptable in the amount of light it requires to grow and is often observed growing under ledges on seawalls and intertwined with other algae. There are several species of Caulerpa that are very similar in shape such as taxifolia and scalpelliformis, but they lack the tight segmented fronds and somewhat rounded tips characteristic of this macro algae. An excellent, hardy specimen for the marine aquarium. Most Caulerpa species are very palatable to fish and invertebrates.
Scientific Name: Caulerpa mexicana
Common Name: Fern Algae
Origin: Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic
Maximum Height : 8″
Growth Rate: Moderate
Light: Moderate
Temperature: 78-84
Propagation: Fragmentation, sporulation
Difficulty: Easy
Food Value: Somewhat palatable to fish
Nutrient Uptake: Good
Flow Rate: Low to Moderate