This species features long, dark green, fronds with segmented appendages. Its very similar to Caulerpa mexicana, but it’s fronds are spaced further apart and have a more uniform, tapered shape. It is also much more tolerant to a wide range of temperatures and a voracious grower in both the aquarium and in its natural environment. For this reason it is the single most controversial species of Caulerpa, as it can quickly take over non-native, nutrient rich waters if introduced. Today, it is rarely seen in the United States due to its recent addition to the Federal Noxious Weed List and infiltration of non-local waters. It is currently illegal to ship or transport this particular algae from any location and possession is banned in the state of California. Despite its reputation, there are many aquarium strains still in propagation in aquariums throughout North America, as well as Europe and Asia. It has been reported to grow occasionally in Florida waters, but has not been a problem due to the abundance of competing algae. Not palatable to fish or invertebrates.
Scientific Name: Caulerpa taxifolia
Common Name: Fern Algae
Origin: Mediterranean, Caribbean
Depth Collected: 4-40 Feet
Maximum Height : 10″
Growth Rate: Fast
Light: Moderate
Temperature: 60-84
Propagation: Fragmentation, Sporulation
Difficulty: Easy
Food Value: Not Palatable
Nutrient Uptake: Excellent
Flow Rate: Low to Moderate