Caulerpa racemosa

An attractive Caulerpa species that is quite hardy as an aquarium specimen. This particular species is unique in that it has perfectly round appendages resembling grapes on a vine. The individual "grapes" are actually small bladders filled with fluid which keeps the algae upright. It grows horizontally on long runners (rhizomes) reaching lengths of up to 2' or more and can form very large entangled clumps especially in high flow areas. Because of its fast growth, it can quickly outgrow the available nutrients in a tank, so care must be taken to limit the size of each specimen. As with most Caulerpa species, regular pruning can help keep the algae from undergoing sexual reproduction in the aquarium. This particular species is generally only encountered in near shore habitats such as rock outcroppings, piers, docks and seawalls. Caulerpa species are highly palatable to both fish and invertebrates.

Scientific Name: Caulerpa Racemosa 

Common Name: Grape Caulerpa, Sea Grapes

Origin: Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, Brazil

Depth Collected: 2-15 Feet

Maximum Height : 8"

Growth Rate: Fast

Light: Moderate to High

Temperature: 72-86

Propagation: Fragmentation, Sporulation

Difficulty: Easy

Food Value: Very Palatable

Nutrient Uptake: Excellent

Flow Rate: Moderate to High

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