Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
By Bob Goemans
Likely Reef Tank Suitable
Likely Fish-Only Tank Suitable
Range: Tropical Western Atlantic Ocean: Caribbean and Florida to Brazil.
Natural Environment: Inhabits reef hardpan areas.
Aquarium Suitability: Its bright green feather-like growth is the best of all the Caulerpa species for aquarium use. Leaf/fron/blade length varies, yet is usually 6 - 8 inches (15 - 20 cm). The oppositely arranged, segmented points face upward on a basically flat-shaped leaf. The leaves are attached to and are spread by rhizomes/runners, which in turn are held in place by holdfasts/rootlets. This form of Caulerpa releases fewer toxins than other types of Caulerpa, and fish such as Tangs find it quite tasty. In fact, this species and C. prolifera are the only two Caulerpa species usually eaten by most herbivorous fishes. It is usually referred to as "fern" macroalgae and makes for a very good foodstuff for many different kinds of herbivores.
Taxonomy:
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Chlorophyta
Class: Ulvophyceae
Order: Bryopsidales
Family: Caulerpaceae
Genus: Caulerpa
