There
are over 900 different species of marine micro and macro
algae that make up the genus Chlorophyta. The green
coloration in marine algae is caused by the dominant pigment
chlorophyll. The colors vary between species from bright
green to yellow or dark jade. They are among the most
diverse and abundant group of all macro algae, representing
extremely varied shapes and characteristics, as well as
world wide distribution.
They spread and grow by two main methods:
fragmentation and by releasing reproductive spores.
The latter is most problematic in the Caulerpa
species and can present some challenges to successfully keep
them long term in the marine aquarium. |