Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
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Chlorodesmis

Chlorodesmis fastigiata

(C.Agardh) S.C.Ducker, 1969

Turtle Weed

Likely Reef Tank Suitable

Likely Fish-Only Tank Suitable

Range: American Samoa, Australia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Japan, Micronesia, Mozambique, New Caledonia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, and Solomon Islands.

Natural Environment: Inhabits shallow lagoons on sandy/coral ruble areas receiving fairly strong currents and forming upright soft filamentous growths.

Aquarium Suitability: Called 'turtle weed' because its said to be eaten by turtles, however it does contain toxic substances that prevent it from being eaten most other species. Needs little care except for bright light and a brisk current and makes for nice bright green growths that are easily cared for and do not spread as do other species of unwanted algae. Suitable for use in both reef and fish-only aquariums and available in the trade.

Potential Control Species: Conch: Strombus alatus

Urchins: Diadema setosum and Mespilia globulus

Taxonomy:

    Kingdom: Plantae

    Phylum: Chlorophyta

    Class: Bryopsidophyceae

    Order: Byropsidales

    Family: Udoteaceae

    Genus: Chlorodesmis

 Chlorodesmis fastigiata (Turtle Weed)
Photo © Bob Goemans
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