This particular algae is one of only a handful of blueish-iridescent specimens available in the aquarium hobby. It’s native to the Indo Pacific and was imported into the United States many years ago. It’s often confused with a similar species from the Caribbean called ochtodes but it’s not related. It features coarse, bushy, compact branches that grow as small clumps or mounds. It’s considered a turf algae and will quickly overgrow its environment given the proper conditions. They are found in shallow, turbulent areas, attached to rocks, hard bottom or epithetic on other plants. In the aquarium they need relatively bright light and low to moderate current, but are adaptable to a wide range of conditions. It tends to grow in cycles and will routinely start to die off if not divided occasionally. It’s is known to be palatable to some crabs, urchins and invertebrates, but is generally left alone in favor of a more suitable food source.
Scientific Name: Hypnea pannosa
Common Name: Blue Ball
Origin: Indo Pacific
Depth Collected: 5-45 feet
Maximum Height: 6″
Growth Rate: Moderate
Light: Moderate to High
Temperature: 78-84
Propagation: Fragmentation, Sporulation
Difficulty: Moderate
Food Value: Somewhat Palatable
Nutrient Uptake: Good
Flow Rate: Moderate