Common name: Red Algae

Scientific name: Solieria robusta Kylin, 1932 (Greville)

General information

Solieria robusta, commonly known as Red Algae, is a species of marine algae that is highly appreciated in the reefkeeping hobby for its vibrant color and unique texture. This species belongs to the family Solieriaceae and is known for its robust, bushy fronds that can add a splash of color and natural diversity to a reef aquarium.

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 moderate flow & nutrients.

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Plants
    Plantae
  2. Phylum
    Red Algae
    Rhodophyta
  3. Class
    Red Algae
    Florideophyceae
  4. Order
    Red Algae
    Gigartinales
  5. Family
    Red algae
    Solieriaceae
  6. Genus
    Red Algae
    Solieria
  7. Species
    Red Algae
    Solieria robusta Kylin, 1932 (Greville)
  8. Synonyms
    Agardhiella robusta Børgesen, 1932 (Greville)
    Dumontia robusta Greville, 1830
    Dumontia robusta wightii G.Martens, 1866 (J.Agardh)
    Rhabdonia robusta J.Agardh, 1851 (Greville)
    Rhabdonia robusta flagelliformis J.Agardh, 1876
    Rhabdonia robusta wightii J.Agardh, 1851
    Rhabdonia umbellata Zanardini, 1874
    Solieria australis Harvey, 1855
    Solieria robusta flagelliformis Kylin, 1932 (J.Agardh)
    Solieria robusta wightii Kylin, 1932 (J.Agardh)

Care

Red Algae like Solieria robusta require moderate to high lighting conditions to thrive in a home aquarium. They also prefer strong water movement to mimic their natural habitat, which helps to deliver nutrients and remove waste products. It's important to maintain stable water parameters, especially calcium and magnesium levels, which are crucial for their growth.

Symbiosis

While not hosting a wide range of symbiotic relationships like some corals or anemones, Solieria robusta can provide shelter and food for small invertebrates and microfauna. Its dense structure is ideal for copepods and amphipods, which in turn can serve as a natural food source for fish and other inhabitants of the aquarium.

Habitat

Solieria robusta is found in a variety of marine environments, often attached to rocks or other hard substrates. It is commonly found in shallow waters where sunlight can penetrate easily, but it can also grow at greater depths where light is more diffuse. This adaptability makes it a versatile addition to many types of saltwater aquariums.