Cladophora herpestrica

(Montagne) Kutzing, 1849

Turf Algae

Range: Indian and Pacific Ocean, and South Africa.

Natural Environment: Inhabits the lower intertidal areas, such as tidepools and rocky/rubble areas.

Aquarium Suitability: A fairly acceptable turf alga in aquariums however does spread and needs trimming to keep it within desired limits. Prefers bright light and strong water movement. Not a tasty alga, as many fish and various invertebrates do not like its taste.

Potential Control Species: Fish: Siganus corallinus, Siganus guttatus, Siganus magnifica, and Siganus vulpinus

Sea Hare: Aplysia californica

Snails: Trochus niloticus, Strombus alatus, and Strombus gigas

Urchins: Diadema setosum, and Mespilia globulus

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Plantae

Phylum: Chlorophyta

Class: Ulvophyceae

Order: Cladophorales

Family: Cladophoraceae

Genus: Cladophora