An attractive, lightly calcified species of green macro algae that grows as small clusters or single solitary specimens. It features dark green, finger-like uprights, that are spongy and fuzzy at the top. This particular algae makes its appearance in the hobby on collected live rock and individual specimens on small shells from both the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean. It grows in fairly shallow water and is somewhat delicate and prefers less current, often attaching to mangrove roots and coral fragments in protected waters. It does fairly well in the aquarium, but its growth rate is minimal so the efficiency of nutrient uptake is limited. Somewhat palatable, but usually left alone. Calcium supplementation is recommended to maintain this specimen in the aquarium.
Scientific Name: Neomeris annulata
Common Name: Finger Algae
Origin: Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic, Caribbean
Depth Collected: 1 – 30 Feet
Maximum Height : 4″
Growth Rate: Slow
Light: Moderate
Temperature: 78-86
Propagation: Fragmentation, sporulation
Difficulty: Moderate
Food Value: Somewhat palatable
Nutrient Uptake: Fair
Flow Rate: Low