Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Plant profile

Placement

Background

It is highly valued in marine refugiums due to its nutrient export capabilities, but can also be placed in the main display tank as an ornamental green backdrop. In the display, it should be anchored to the sand or rockwork where it receives moderate to high light. Caution is needed, as it can be somewhat invasive and overrun delicate corals if not kept in check.

Botanical form

Algae

Caulerpa prolifera resembles thick, fleshy blades of freshwater Vallisneria, but it is a single-celled organism with a complex, macroscopic structure. The wide, flattened, bright green blades grow upwards from a thick, creeping horizontal runner (rhizome). Unlike other Caulerpa species, its blades are smooth and non-feathered.

Growth

Fast

Under high light and in nutrient-rich marine water, its growth rate is explosive. It will quickly colonize available surfaces via its rapidly extending runners. Regular harvesting (trimming) is mandatory to permanently export the absorbed nutrients from the aquarium system.

Substrate

High

It possesses an extensive creeping rhizome system that anchors itself firmly into deep sand beds or aragonite substrates in marine setups. While it does not 'feed' from the substrate like a freshwater vascular plant, a fine, undisturbed sand bed allows the holdfasts to grip securely. It can also easily attach itself to porous live rock or rubble.

Column fertilization

None

In marine setups with heavy bioloads, the fish waste usually provides enough nitrogen and phosphorus. However, dosing a marine-specific macroalgae supplement containing iron, iodine, and trace elements will drastically improve its health and coloration. Careful dosing prevents the algae from crashing and releasing nutrients back into the water.

Root fertilization

Recommended

Root fertilization is completely inapplicable in marine macroalgae care. The 'roots' are merely holdfasts for anchoring and do not absorb nutrients from the sand bed. All nutritional needs are met entirely through absorption across the blade and runner surfaces from the water column.

Trimming

Regular

Trimming is straightforward; simply cut the stems or leaves to the desired length. Regular pruning encourages bushier, denser growth and prevents the plant from taking over the tank. Replant the healthy trimmings if you wish to expand its footprint.

Propagation

Fragmentation

Propagation is incredibly simple: simply cut the main runner between the upright blades. The severed piece can be anchored in the sand or tied to a rock, where it will quickly attach and resume rapid growth. Always ensure that the cutting contains a healthy portion of the creeping rhizome.

Sensitivity

Sensitive

Generally robust but can melt if water parameters swing drastically. It prefers stable conditions and clean water with good flow. Algae can be an issue if organic waste is allowed to accumulate on its delicate leaves.

Layout role

Background

Excellent for creating natural-looking thickets or adding a touch of wildness to the aquascape. It bridges the gap between different plant groups beautifully. Its unique texture provides a great contrast to broad-leaved plants.