Penicillus capitatus

An attractive, calcareous algae that is abundant on the reef flat and among sea grass beds. It features a thick stem with a rounded, fine filament top. Its root-like structure is a large bulb with a series of rhizoids that anchor it to substrate and sometimes rocks. Mature plants can reach a height of about 8" and 2"-3" in diameter. It occurs in shallow calm protected water to depths of 30 ft. In the aquarium the mature plant often dies to produce new plants at the 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 capitatus

Common Name: Sea 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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