Halimeda incrassata

A heavily calcified algae that is abundant in shallow habitats to 40' deep. It features stiff, segmented fronds that are irregular and flat shaped. It grows in different forms, some forming large clumps and others with just 5-6 branches. Mature plants can grow as tall as 8" or so, but most will stay small in an aquarium. A large cluster of rhizoids holds the plant upright and securely in the substrate. The large base (rhizoids) can extend several inches below the substrate, where "shoots" form new plants from the parent colony. When conditions are favorable in the aquarium, this species will reproduce rapidly by producing new plants near the base. Like many of the calcareous algae that grow exclusively in substrate, it needs a deep sand bed of 4" or more. Calcium supplementation is needed and will provide optimum growth of up to 1" per day. Not palatable to fish or invertebrates.

Scientific Name: Halimeda incrassata

Common Name: Halimeda

Origin: Atlantic, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico

Depth Collected: 3-40 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: Moderate

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