This species of Caulerpa is a large variety that can reach blade widths of up to 2″ and a height of about 12″. Unlike it’s close relative, Caulerpa sertulariodes, it prefers slightly deeper habitats and often is found on the edges of channels in depths of 20ft or more. It features a thick rhizome, split into individual cylindrical fronds that grows horizontally on the sea floor. Younger specimens are often confused with Sertulariodes, as they are very similar in characteristics and are often sold as “feather algae” in the aquarium trade. Because of its size and it’s fairly slow growth it will not overgrow its environment like other species do. When pruning the large rhizome, pinching the tissue is best so that a minimal amount of chemical is released into the aquarium. Regular division of the rhizome is recommended to promote new growth and to protect the algae from sporulation.
Scientific Name: Caulerpa ashmeadii
Common Name: Giant Feather Algae, Feather Algae
Origin: Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic, Caribbean
Depth Collected: 5-25 Feet
Maximum Height : 14″
Growth Rate: Moderate
Light: Moderate
Temperature: 78-86
Propagation: Fragmentation, Sporulation
Difficulty: Easy
Food Value: Somewhat Palatable
Nutrient Uptake: Good
Flow Rate: Low to Moderate