Penicillus dumetosus

This species is one of the larger stem plants found in the Caribbean. It features a tall, thick stem, with coarse dark green bristle-like filaments. The tops of the algae are tapered and flat. It's one of the most abundant calcareous macro algae species found on the reef flat and among sea grass beds.  It's root-like structure is a large bulb with a series of rhizoids that anchor it to substrate and sometimes rocks. It occurs in shallow calm protected water to depths of 40 ft. In the aquarium the mature plant often dies to produce new plants at it's base. Like most calcareous stem plants, it needs a deep sand bed of 4" or more to grow in the aquarium. Calcium supplementation is needed. Not palatable to fish or invertebrates.

Scientific Name: Penicillus dumetosus

Common Name: Shaving Brush

Origin: Atlantic, Caribbean

Depth Collected: 1-30 Feet

Maximum Height : 8"

Growth Rate: Moderate

Light: Moderate to High

Temperature: 76-86

Propagation: Fragmentation, Sporulation

Difficulty: Easy

Food Value: Not Palatable

Nutrient Uptake: Fair

Flow Rate: Low to Moderate

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