Macroalgae/Lettuce/Leaf Algae

As mentioned in the Introduction to Red Algae, those in this grouping are among the prettiest of all red algae. They usually show up attached to live rock and can serve as decoration, a valuable foodstuff for herbivores or a way to export nutrients. They grow upright and usually form large masses of fronds. I've found them quite sensitive to slight changes in water chemistry and have seen perfectly good specimens quickly disintegrate overnight, even when there were no apparent changes to water quality. Therefore, trace element additions are advised if the goal is keeping any of these species.

Please click on the species you are interested in viewing.

Gracilaria

• Gracilaria curtissae
• Gracilaria salicornia
• Gracilaria tikvahiae
• Gracilaria verrucosa

Halymenia

• Halymenia duchassaignii
• Halymenia sp.

Porphyra

• Porphyra leucosticta

Rhodymenia

• Rhodymenia holmesii
• Rhodymenia pseudopalmata

Scinaia

• Scinaia companata
• Scinaia sp.

Solieria

• Solieria robusta

Key to Symbols:
Suitable for Reef Aquariums
NOT Suitable for Reef Aquariums
Suitable for Fish-Only Aquariums
NOT Suitable for Fish-Only Aquariums
Avoid this nuisance species!