Dragons Nest (Gracilaria Parvispora)

This macroalgae is bright red or burgundy in colour with short, bushy fronds. It makes a colourful addition to a display tank or it can also be used in a refugium. It is also known as Birds Nest or Red Ogo.

Dragon’s Nest is native to the waters off of Hawaii, but the algae available in the hobby is captive bred. In the wild, they prefer relatively still waters that are high in nutrients. In a home aquarium
they are fairly adaptable but can be blown around if the flow is too high. They are generally tolerant of a wide variety of lighting and prefer somewhat nutrient rich waters in a home tank.

Like all macroalgae, Dragon’s Nest can help reduce levels of nitrate and phosphate though nutrient export. However, unlike other types of high nutrient export macroalgae, Dragon’s Nest also looks beautiful in a main display tank. It can also provide a food source for grazing fish.

Due to its striking red colour and relatively fast growth rate Dragon’s Nest is a highly sought after species of macroalgae.