Species of the brown algae Sargassum are among the most prolific of all brown algae in the Caribbean. These include both the anchored and free floating varieties. As a group, they are highly variable in shape, size and distribution and can survive in much cooler water than other tropical macro algae. The anchored varieties are of the most interest to the aquarium hobby, as the free floating patches such as S. fluitans are not easily kept. This species features elongated, dark brown leaves with a distinctive white mid rib. This particular variation, identified as buxifolium (pictured) shares the same basic characteristics, but lacks the pronounced mid rib. It’s a shallow water variety, found in depths of up to 50ft, that grows attached to rocks or other hard surfaces by a single holdfast. Most anchored varieties have a very sturdy, thick upright, that is able to securely anchor itself in very turbulent environments. In the aquarium they require bright lighting and moderate to high flow rates for optimal growth.
Scientific Name: Sargassum hystrix sp.
Common Name: Sargassum
Origin: Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, Atlantic
Depth Collected: 3 – 45 feet
Maximum Height : 24″
Growth Rate: Slow
Light: High
Temperature: 68-78
Propagation: Fragmentation, Sporulation
Difficulty: Advanced
Food Value: Not very palatable
Nutrient Uptake: Fair
Flow Rate: Moderate to High