Species of Padina are a very beautiful and interesting brown macro algae. Coloration is highly variable depending on each individual species, ranging from dark brown, tan, green with some iridescence. Some species have rounded blades while others have split, irregular growth. The most common is Padina sanctae crucis (pictured). Species of Padina are the only brown algae that is calcified, so calcium must be maintained for growth in the aquarium. Like many of the calcified algae, it is quite common for coralline algae to grow on the surface of the blades, which gives it a beautiful appearance. All species feature scroll like cups that have a series of rings resembling the trunk of a tree. Padina features a single holdfast that securely anchors to rocks, shells and coral fragments. It prefers a slightly colder water temperature, around 76 degrees or so. It’s a slow grower that requires strong current in the aquarium and calcium supplementation.
Scientific Name: Padina sp.
Common Name: Scroll Algae, Potato Algae
Origin: Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, Atlantic
Depth Collected: 3 – 40 feet
Maximum Height : 6″
Growth Rate: Slow
Light: Moderate to High
Temperature: 75-80
Propagation: Fragmentation, Sporulation
Difficulty: Advanced
Food Value: Somewhat palatable to fish and inverts
Nutrient Uptake: Fair
Flow Rate: Moderate to High