Caulerpa cupressoides

This interesting and unique species of Caulerpa features long, rigid, upright stalks with finger-like clusters of notched blades. It's typically found growing in sea grass beds and other shallow water habitats to about 10 ft but is also encountered on deeper dives to around 40'. This algae prefers sandy substrate, but will also attach to rocks and coral fragments. It's very hardy in the aquarium and is relatively undemanding in its needs as it grows slower than other species. It's not very palatable to fish and invertebrates. All Caulerpa species can be safely buried in the sand bed if desired.

Scientific Name: Caulerpa cupressoides

Common Name: Zipper Algae, Cactus Caulerpa

Origin: Atlantic, Caribbean

Depth Collected: 1-10 Feet

Maximum Height : 8"

Growth Rate: Slow

Light: Moderate to High

Temperature: 74-86

Propagation: Fragmentation, Sporulation

Difficulty: Easy

Food Value: Not Palatable

Nutrient Uptake: Fair

Flow Rate: Moderate