Reeflings

Common name: Red Ribbion Seaweed

Scientific name: Nitophyllum punctatum Greville, 1830 (Stackhouse)
Nitophyllum punctatum seaweed isolated transparent png. Spotted scarf weed algae.

General information

Nitophyllum punctatum, commonly known as Red Ribbon Seaweed or Punctate Nitophyllum, is a species of red algae that can add a splash of color and diversity to marine aquariums. This delicate-looking macroalgae is characterized by its broad, flat, and often highly branched fronds with a distinctive reddish hue, which can vary from deep red to a lighter pinkish tone depending on the light and nutrient conditions.

In the wild, it is often found in rock pools and lower intertidal zones, where it can form extensive mats. It is not only aesthetically pleasing but also serves as a natural nutrient exporter, helping to maintain water quality by absorbing excess nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates.

Details

Salinity
S.G. 1.023 to 1.025
Temperature
22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
Acidity
pH 8 to 8.4
Care level
Moderate to easy Requires stable conditions.

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Plants
    Plantae
  2. Phylum
    Red Algae
    Rhodophyta
  3. Class
    Red Algae
    Florideophyceae
  4. Order
    Ceramiales
    Ceramiales
  5. Family
    Red Algae Family
    Delesseriaceae
  6. Genus
    Nitophyllum
    Nitophyllum
  7. Species
    Red Ribbion Seaweed
    Nitophyllum punctatum Greville, 1830 (Stackhouse)
  8. Synonyms
    Aglaophyllum ocellatum De Notaris (J.V. Lamouroux)
    Aglaophyllum ocellatum Kützing (J.V. Lamouroux)
    Aglaophyllum punctatum Areschoug, 1847 (Stackhouse)
    Aglaophyllum punctatum ocellatum Areschoug, 1847 (Greville)
    Delesseria ocellata J.V.Lamouroux, 1813 (J.V.Lamouroux)
    Delesseria punctata C.Agardh, 1822 (Stackhouse)
    Fucus ocellatus J.V.Lamouroux, 1802
    Fucus punctatus Stackhouse, 1796
    Nitophyllum ocellatum J.Agardh, 1842 (J.V.Lamouroux)
    Nitophyllum punctatum fimbriatum Harvey
    Nitophyllum punctatum lobatum Funk
    Nitophyllum punctatum ocellatum Harvey, 1841 (J.V.Lamouroux)
    Nitophyllum punctatum pollexfenii Harvey
    Nitophyllum punctatum reniforme J.Agardh
    Papyracea punctata Stackhouse, 1809 (Stackhouse)
    Ulva punctata Stackhouse, 1797 (Stackhouse)
    Wormskioldia punctata Sprengel, 1827 (Stackhouse)

Care

Caring for Red Ribbon Seaweed in a reef aquarium requires attention to water quality and lighting. It thrives in moderate to high lighting conditions and prefers a stable environment with good water flow to mimic its natural habitat. It is important to ensure that the lighting spectrum supports the growth of red algae, which may require supplementation with specific wavelengths.

Regular water testing and maintenance are crucial to keep nutrient levels in check, as an excess can lead to unwanted algae growth, while too little can starve the seaweed. It can be easily propagated by fragmentation, making it a sustainable choice for aquarists looking to expand their macroalgae collection.

Symbiosis

While Nitophyllum punctatum does not have the same level of symbiotic relationships as some other marine organisms, it can provide shelter and food for a variety of small invertebrates and fish larvae. Its dense growth can create microhabitats within the aquarium, contributing to the overall biodiversity and stability of the ecosystem.

Habitat

Nitophyllum punctatum is commonly found in the North Atlantic Ocean, including the coasts of Europe and North America. It typically inhabits the lower intertidal to subtidal zones, attaching to rocks or other hard substrates in areas with cool to temperate water temperatures.