Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
By Bob Goemans
Likely Reef Tank Suitable
Likely Fish-Only Tank Suitable
Range: Indian & Pacific Oceans, and the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean and also the eastern Mediterranean Sea.
Natural Environment: Quite common on many reefs and in many different locations, and no doubt the most imported for the aquarium hobby.
General Husbandry: Often available in the trade and prefers medium to bright light. 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 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, and H. incrassata are other favorites.
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.
