Halymenia floridana

An interesting species of Halymenia that is highly variable in color, ranging from bright yellow to red depending on the depth collected. Like all species of Halymenia it's gelatinous and smooth in texture and is easily torn. This particular species stays rather compact and its blades are rounded and irregular similar to species of Ulva. This species is found offshore to depths of about 65' attached to hard bottom by a single holdfast. Some specimens are found growing suspended in the water amongst algae mats. In the aquarium they will seldom attach so they must be anchored or allowed to tumble as free floating specimens. They can't be buried in the sand bed as the tissue will die off. It's very palatable and is readily eaten by both tangs and angelfish.

Scientific Name: Halymenia floridana

Common Name: Red Sea Lettuce

Origin: Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, Atlantic

Maximum Height : 18"

Growth Rate: Moderate

Light: Moderate to Low

Temperature: 76-82

Propagation: Fragmentation, Sporulation

Difficulty: Easy

Food Value: Very palatable

Nutrient Uptake: Good

Flow Rate: Moderate to High

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