Gracilaria curtissae

J.Agardh 1885

Red Macroalgae, Ruby Red Algae

Range: Circumtropical and sub-tropical.

Natural Environment: Inhabits tidepools, reef flats, and generally intertidal areas where there is swift water movement.

General Husbandry: A very desirable alga as it grows quite large, e.g., 18 inches (45 cm), and forms broad reddish branching growths from a central rhizome with its tips split into uneven ruffles. Requires strong light and moderate currents, and a well-balanced calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium levels that duplicate natural seawater.

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Plantae

Phylum: Rhodophyta

Class: Florideophyceae

Order: Gracilariales

Family: Gracilariaceae

Genus: Gracilaria