Acetabularia crennulata

J.V. Lamouroux, 1812

Mermaid’s Cup, Mermaid Wine Glass Alga

Range: Indo-West Pacific Ocean: Indonesia to the Philippines, and the Western Atlantic Ocean: Caribbean to Brazil.

Natural Environment: Inhabits shallow backreef areas.

Aquarium Suitability: About 2 inches (5 cm) high with a 0.5 inch (1 cm) cup. Each stem and cup is a single cell. Generally found in very shallow sheltered areas, usually attached to rocks and gravel/small stones. Difficult to maintain in aquaria, with a slightly higher than normal alkalinity and calcium level recommended if any level of success with this alga is to be had.

Potential Control Species: Fish: Zebrasoma desjardinii, Zebrasoma flavescens, Zebrasoma scopas, Zebrasoma veliferum, Zebrasoma xanthurum, Siganus corallinus, Siganus guttatus, Siganus magnifica and Siganus vulpinus

Sea Hare: Aplysia californica

Snails: Trochus niloticus, Strombus alatus and Strombus gigas

Urchins: Diadema setosum and Mespilia globulus

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Plantae

Phylum: Chlorophyta

Class: Ulvophyceae

Order: Dasycladales

Family: Polyphysaceae

Genus: Acetabularia