Common name: Dulse
General information
Rhodymenia pseudopalmata, commonly known as Dulse or Red Seaweed, is a marine red alga that is popular among marine aquarists and culinary enthusiasts alike. This species is not only appreciated for its aesthetic appeal in the aquarium but also for its nutritional value in various cuisines. Dulse is characterized by its palmate, somewhat hand-like fronds, which can vary in color from deep red to a purplish hue.
In the wild, it is often found attached to rocks in the intertidal zones where it can withstand the changing tides and water movement. This adaptability makes it a resilient addition to the home aquarium.
Details
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.022 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 20 to 26 °C (68 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8 to 8.4
- Care level
- Easy Prefers moderate water flow
Taxonomy
- KingdomPlantsPlantae
- PhylumRed AlgaeRhodophyta
- ClassRed AlgaeFlorideophyceae
- OrderRed Algae OrderRhodymeniales
- FamilyRed Algae FamilyRhodymeniaceae
- GenusRed Fern AlgaeRhodymenia
- SpeciesDulseRhodymenia pseudopalmata P.C.Silva, 1952 (J.V.Lamouroux)
- Synonyms? palmetta J.V. LamourouxDelesseria palmetta J.V.Lamouroux, 1813 (Stackhouse)Delesseria pseudopalmata J.V.Lamouroux, 1813 (J.V.Lamouroux)Fucus palmetta Stackhouse, 1801Fucus pseudopalmatus J.V.Lamouroux, 1805Halymenia palmetta Gaillon (J.V. Lamouroux)Halymenia palmetta J.V.Lamouroux, 1824 (Stackhouse)Membranifolia palmetta Stackhouse, 1809Palmaria palmetta Kuntze (J.V. Lamouroux)Palmaria palmetta Kuntze, 1891 (Stackhouse)Rhodymenia palmetta Greville (J.V. Lamouroux)Rhodymenia palmetta Greville, 1830 (Stackhouse)Rhodymenia palmetta bahusiensis Areschoug, 1847Rhodymenia pseudopalmata caroliniana W.R.Taylor, 1960Sphaerococcus palmetta C.Agardh, 1817 (Stackhouse)
Care
Dulse is relatively easy to care for in a marine aquarium setting. It requires moderate lighting and some water flow to mimic its natural habitat. It is not particularly demanding in terms of nutrients, but it does benefit from a stable environment with consistent water quality.
This alga can be attached to live rock or other substrates in the aquarium where it can anchor itself. It is important to ensure that it is not shaded by other larger algae or marine plants, as this can inhibit its growth.
Symbiosis
While Rhodymenia pseudopalmata does not have any specific symbiotic relationships that are of particular interest to aquarists, it does contribute to the overall ecosystem of the tank by providing shelter and food for small invertebrates and fish larvae.
Habitat
Rhodymenia pseudopalmata is found in the cold waters of the North Atlantic Ocean, ranging from the intertidal zone to subtidal areas. It is a hardy species that can tolerate a range of temperatures and salinities, which is beneficial for aquarists who may have fluctuations in their tank conditions.