Genus
Common name: Turtle Grass
Scientific name: Thalassia
Thalassia is a genus of seagrasses in the family Hydrocharitaceae, commonly known as Turtle Grass. These marine plants form dense underwater meadows in shallow sandy or muddy bottoms in tropical and subtropical seas. Thalassia species are important ecologically as they provide habitat and food for a variety of marine life, including juvenile fish and invertebrates. In the aquarium, they can be challenging to maintain due to their need for strong lighting, a substrate suitable for root growth, and stable water conditions. They are not commonly kept in home aquariums but can be a unique addition to large, specialized setups that aim to replicate seagrass beds.