Reeflings

Common name: Feather Algae

Scientific name: Caulerpa sertularioides M.A.Howe, 1905 (S.G.Gmelin)
Sand Worm (Perinereis sp.) is the same species as sea worms (Polychaete), Living in a beach area with relatively shallow water levels for education in laboratory.Sand Worm (Perinereis sp.) is the same species as sea worms (Polychaete), Living in a beach area with relatively shallow water levels for education in laboratory.
Sand Worm (Perinereis sp.) is the same species as sea worms (Polychaete), Living in a beach area with relatively shallow water levels for education in laboratory.
Sand Worm (Perinereis sp.) is the same species as sea worms (Polychaete), Living in a beach area with relatively shallow water levels for education in laboratory.
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General information

Caulerpa sertularioides, commonly known as Feather Algae or Sertularioides Caulerpa, is a species of green macroalgae that is popular among reef aquarium hobbyists for its attractive feathery fronds and ease of care. This species is part of the Caulerpaceae family and is known for its ability to grow rapidly under the right conditions, which can be both a benefit and a challenge in a reef tank setting.

Details

Salinity
S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
Temperature
22 to 28 °C (72 to 82 °F)
Acidity
pH 8 to 8.4
Care level
Moderate to easy Can grow rapidly; needs pruning

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Plants
    Plantae
  2. Phylum
    Green Algae
    Chlorophyta
  3. Class
    Green Algae
    Ulvophyceae
  4. Order
    Green Hair Algae
    Bryopsidales
  5. Family
    Caulerpa
    Caulerpaceae
  6. Genus
    Caulerpa
    Caulerpa
  7. Species
    Feather Algae
    Caulerpa sertularioides M.A.Howe, 1905 (S.G.Gmelin)
  8. Synonyms
    Caulerpa plumaris C.Agardh, 1823 (Forsskål)
    Corradoria plumaris Trevisan (Forssk.)
    Fucus plumaris Forsskål, 1775
    Fucus sertularioides S.G.Gmelin, 1768

Care

Feather Algae requires moderate lighting and a stable environment to thrive. It prefers strong water movement to mimic its natural habitat and to help keep detritus from settling on its fronds. Regular pruning is necessary to prevent it from overgrowing and potentially overtaking other sessile organisms in the aquarium. It can absorb excess nutrients, such as nitrates and phosphates, which can help improve water quality.

Symbiosis

While Caulerpa sertularioides does not have any specific symbiotic relationships in the aquarium, it can provide a microhabitat for small invertebrates and fish fry, offering them protection and food sources.

Habitat

In the wild, Caulerpa sertularioides is found in shallow, tropical marine environments, often in areas with strong currents. It is a benthic species that attaches to substrates such as rocks, sand, or other hard surfaces.