They’re many subspecies and variations of Caulerpa racemosa found worldwide. This species of racemosa is unique in that it has perfectly round individual clusters, resembling grapes on a vine. Like most species of racemosa, individual plants can quickly outgrow the available nutrients in a tank, so care must be taken to limit the size of each specimen. It grows in the inter-tidal zone in fairly shallow water and depends upon moderate to high currents to supply the essential nutrients required for growth. It should be closely monitored in the aquarium, as its well known for dying and releasing reproductive spores in captivity. Overall it’s a very hardy macroalgae that does very well in the marine aquarium.
Scientific Name: Caulerpa racemosa
Common Name: Grape Caulerpa, Sea Grapes
Origin: Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, Brazil
Depth Collected: 2-50 Feet
Maximum Height : 8″
Growth Rate: Fast
Light: Moderate to High
Temperature: 72-86
Propagation: Fragmentation, Sporulation
Difficulty: Easy
Food Value: Somewhat Palatable
Nutrient Uptake: Excellent
Flow Rate: Moderate to High