Udotea flabellum

A calcareous algae that is very popular in the aquarium. It features a broad, dark green, fan shaped top that can grow as large as 12" or more. A 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. Not palatable to fish or invertebrates.

Scientific Name: Udotea flabellum

Common Name: Mermaid's Fan

Origin: Atlantic, Caribbean

Depth Collected: 3-60 Feet

Maximum Height : 12"

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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