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Unorthodox Reef

Caulerpa Brachypus

Caulerpa Brachypus

$15.00 CAD
$15.00 CAD
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Caulerpa brachypus, or small creeping algae, is a green seaweed known for its small, blade-like fronds (1-5 cm) growing from a creeping stolon, forming dense mats; it's popular in aquariums for nutrient export but is a significant invasive species in many areas, spreading rapidly by fragments and posing environmental threats. 

Characteristics
  • Appearance: A creeping, horizontal stolon (runner) with erect, tongue-shaped blades that can have finely toothed edges.
  • Size: Blades are small, typically 1-5 cm (up to 10 cm), much smaller than related species like C. prolifera, hence its "small creeping" moniker.
  • Growth: Forms dense mats and can spread quickly via its stolons and detached fragments, a key reason for its invasiveness.
  • Habitat: Native to the Indo-Pacific but found globally, attaching to sandy or rocky substrates, often in shallow reefs, but thrives in disturbed, nutrient-rich waters. 

Aquarium Use (Macroalgae Refugiums)
  • Nutrient Export: Excellent at absorbing nitrates and phosphates, improving water quality.
  • Habitat: Provides shelter for microfauna.
  • Care: Requires moderate light and flow; generally not eaten by common herbivorous fish, making it a good choice for refugiums. 

 

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