Common name: Green Algae
Chlorophyta, commonly known as green algae, is a diverse group of photosynthetic organisms found primarily in freshwater and marine environments. They are characterized by their green color, which is due to the presence of chlorophyll a and b, similar to land plants. This group includes both unicellular and multicellular species, ranging from microscopic phytoplankton to large seaweeds.
In the context of reef aquariums, Chlorophyta can play a beneficial role in nutrient management. They are known for their ability to absorb nitrates and phosphates, which can help reduce algae blooms and maintain water quality. Some species, such as Chaetomorpha and Ulva, are popular choices for refugiums—sections of the aquarium dedicated to cultivating beneficial algae and microorganisms. These algae not only help in nutrient export but also provide habitat and food for small invertebrates and fish.
Green algae are also involved in interesting symbiotic relationships. Some species form mutualistic associations with corals and other marine organisms, contributing to the health and stability of reef ecosystems. However, hobbyists should be cautious, as some Chlorophyta can become invasive and outcompete other desirable species in the tank if not properly managed.
Overall, Chlorophyta offers both aesthetic and functional benefits to marine aquariums. Their vibrant green hues can enhance the visual appeal of a tank, while their ecological roles support a balanced and healthy aquatic environment. Proper care and management are key to harnessing the benefits of green algae in home aquariums.
- Common name: Mermaid's WineglassScientific name: Acetabularia crenulata
- Common name: Green Felt AlgaeScientific name: Avrainvillea nigricans
- Common name: Boodlea compositaScientific name: Boodlea composita
- Common name: hen penScientific name: Bryopsis plumosa
- Common name: Caulerpa brachypusScientific name: Caulerpa brachypus
- Common name: Fern CaulerpaScientific name: Caulerpa chemnitzia
- Common name: Caulerpa floridanaScientific name: Caulerpa floridana
- Common name: Mexican CaulerpaScientific name: Caulerpa mexicana
- Common name: Caulerpa nummulariaScientific name: Caulerpa nummularia
- Common name: Caulerpa PaspaloidesScientific name: Caulerpa paspaloides
- Common name: Leafy caulerpaScientific name: Caulerpa prolifera
- Common name: Razor CaulerpaScientific name: Caulerpa scalpelliformis
- Common name: Sawblade CaulerpaScientific name: Caulerpa serrulata
- Common name: Feather AlgaeScientific name: Caulerpa sertularioides
- Common name: Killer algaScientific name: Caulerpa taxifolia
- Common name: ChaetoScientific name: Chaetomorpha aerea
- Common name: Spaghetti algaeScientific name: Chaetomorpha linum
- Common name: Turtle WeedScientific name: Chlorodesmis fastigiata
- Common name: Green Hair AlgaeScientific name: Cladophora herpestica
- Common name: Green Hair AlgaeScientific name: Cladophora prolifera
- Common name: rock-weedScientific name: Cladophora rupestris
- Common name: Velvet HornScientific name: Codium adhaerens
- Common name: Codium arabicumScientific name: Codium arabicum
- Common name: Green Fleece AlgaeScientific name: Codium decorticatum
- Common name: Green Felt AlgaeScientific name: Codium edule
- Common name: Dead Man's FingersScientific name: Codium fragile
- Common name: Green Felt AlgaeScientific name: Codium intertextum
- Common name: Green Felt AlgaeScientific name: Codium vermilara
- Common name: DerbesiaScientific name: Derbesia marina
- Common name: Green Bubble AlgaeScientific name: Dictyosphaeria cavernosa
- Common name: Green Fern AlgaeScientific name: Flabellia petiolata
- Common name: Halimeda copiosaScientific name: Halimeda copiosa
- Common name: Halimeda AlgaeScientific name: Halimeda discoidea
- Common name: Halimeda PlantScientific name: Halimeda incrassata
- Common name: Large leaf coralline algaeScientific name: Halimeda macroloba
- Common name: Halimeda MicronesicaScientific name: Halimeda micronesica
- Common name: Halimeda opuntiaScientific name: Halimeda opuntia
- Common name: Calcareous Green SeaweedScientific name: Halimeda tuna
- Common name: Green Cactus AlgaeScientific name: Neomeris annulata
- Common name: Parvocaulis parvulusScientific name: Parvocaulis parvulus
- Common name: Shaving Brush AlgaScientific name: Penicillus capitatus
- Common name: Mermaid's Wine GlassScientific name: Penicillus dumetosus
- Common name: Phoenix Worm SnailScientific name: Rhipocephalus phoenix
- Common name: Mermaid's FanScientific name: Udotea flabellum
- Common name: Mermaid's FanScientific name: Udotea spinulosa
- Common name: GutweedScientific name: Ulva intestinalis
- Common name: Green LaverScientific name: Ulva lactuca
- Common name: Sea LettuceScientific name: Ulva linza
- Common name: Sea LettuceScientific name: Ulva prolifera
- Common name: Sea LettuceScientific name: Ulva rigida
- Common name: Bubble AlgaeScientific name: Valonia macrophysa
- Common name: Bubble AlgaeScientific name: Valonia utricularis
- Common name: Bubble AlgaeScientific name: Valoniopsis pachynema
- Common name: Sailor's EyeballScientific name: Ventricaria ventricosa