Feather Caulerpa

Also known as Mexican Seaweed, Feather Caulerpa is generally considered to be a fern macroalgae.  It has a bright green, feather-like growth pattern and is generally considered to be the best Caulerpa for use in a reef aquarium.  It grows from a “runner”, which is a root system that grows along the substrate.  The plant then grows from these runners  It grows quickly and can be used either in a refugium or in the main display tank.  If placed in the display tank it should be trimmed regularly to prevent it from overgrowing.  Regardless of where it is placed, it can help to efficiently export nutrients.  It is non toxic and reef safe.

Feather Caulerpa is found throughout the Caribbean and the Indo-Pacific region in a variety of habitats such as lagoons, reefs and shallows.  In a home aquarium it should be placed in the substrate and allowed to take hold.  Since this algae is generally considered to be visually appealing and makes a good food source for plant eating fish, as well as helping to control nutrients, it makes a good choice for a home aquarium as long as its growth can be controlled.