Genus
Common name: Gracilaria
Scientific name: Gracila
Gracilaria is a genus of red algae notable for its economic importance and its role in marine ecosystems. Hobbyists appreciate these algae for their ability to absorb excess nutrients, which helps control algae blooms and maintain water quality. Gracilaria species are also used as a natural food source for herbivorous fish and invertebrates. They exhibit a range of colors from red to green and have a bushy, branching morphology that can add aesthetic value to the aquarium. Cultivating Gracilaria requires moderate lighting and water flow, and they can be easily propagated by fragmentation.