Acetabularia is a unique and beautiful species of green algae. It features a lightly calcified stem that hosts a single disc like appendage. There are many species of this unique algae, some with more pronounced cup shaped tops and varying shades of green coloration. When removed from the water, care must be taken as the tops can not be supported by the thin stem and will often break off. New colonies can be started by a single disc, although the growth is very slow. Specimens grow in shallow, protected environments often attached to shells, mangrove roots and other hard surfaces. This species requires a brightly lit, protected area to grow successfully in the aquarium. It can be difficult to harvest as most specimens are attached to rocks, roots and other hard surfaces. The easiest method for collection is to find it growing on a shell or another species of algae. Unfortunately, the lifespan of this species is very short lived and rarely survive very long in captivity.
Scientific Name: Acetabularia Sp.
Common Name: Mermaids Wine Glass
Origin: Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic, Caribbean
Depth Collected: 1-10 Feet
Maximum Height : 4″
Growth Rate: Slow
Light: Minimal
Temperature: 78-86
Propagation: Fragmentation, Sporulation
Food Value: Not Very Palatable
Nutrient Uptake: Poor
Flow Rate: Low