Padina pavonica

(Linnaeus) Thivy 1960

Scroll Algae

Range: Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea.

Natural Environment: Inhabits shallow nutrient-rich rocky costal areas and in the Mediterranean often appears in high numbers during summer months.

Aquarium Suitability: Not a purposely imported species, yet if seen makes for a fairly nice addition to the reef aquarium, and also a great conversation piece as it actually forms aragonite on its upper surfaces giving the species a while color! Yet long-term maintenance is not possible in aquariums, as possibly seasonal aspects have a bearing on its health.

Potential Control Species: Snails: Astraea tectum

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Chromista

Class: Phaeophyceae

Order: Dictyotales

Family: Dictyotaceae

Genus: Padina