Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
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Halimeda

Halimeda incrassata

(Ellis) Lamouroux, 1816

Money Plant

Likely Reef Tank Suitable

Likely Fish-Only Tank Suitable

Range: Indian Ocean and Western Atlantic Ocean.

Natural Environment: Inhabits very shallow sandy and mixed sandy-muddy substrates near mangroves and seagrass beds.

General Husbandry: Prefers bright light and gentle water movement. Besides needing a calcium level near that of Natural Seawater (NSW), about 400 ppm, it appears to do better if alkalinity is maintained between 3.5 - 4.5 meq/l or even slightly higher.

When this alkalinity range is maintained have seen these species of algae grow in my aquariums at a rate of .25 inch (.6 cm) per day. It's a good species for aquariums with grazers such as Tangs because the calcareous makeup of the plant helps keep their digestive system free of blockages. H. discoidea is another favorite.

Taxonomy:

    Kingdom: Plantae

    Phylum: Chlorophyta

    Class: Ulvophyceae

    Order: Bryopsidales

    Family: Halimedaceae

    Genus: Halimeda

FYI: This calcareous species has blades/leaves that look prickly pear cactus-like and many times this 'type' alga is simply called Cactus Algae or Money Plant.

 Halimeda incrassata (Money Plant)
Photo © Frank Walker
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