Caulerpa peltata Care Guide
Caulerpa peltata is a marine green macroalga with stalked disk-shaped fronds like tiny umbrellas; WoRMS now treats it as Caulerpa chemnitzia.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Caulerpa peltata is a marine green macroalga in the family Caulerpaceae with small stalked, disk-shaped (peltate) fronds that resemble tiny umbrellas. Like all Caulerpa it is a coenocytic single-celled organism and is kept as an ornamental refugium alga for nutrient export.
Taxonomy
- Family: Caulerpaceae
- Genus: Caulerpa
- Scientific name: Caulerpa peltata J.V.Lamouroux, 1809
- Taxonomic note: WoRMS treats Caulerpa peltata as accepted as Caulerpa chemnitzia (Esper) J.V.Lamouroux, 1809 (AphiaID 700395); it has also historically been linked to the Caulerpa racemosa complex
- Common synonyms: Disk caulerpa
Habitat
The alga occurs on tropical reefs and rubble, where umbrella-shaped fronds rise on short stalks from creeping runners. As with other Caulerpa, the genus reaches its highest diversity in the Caribbean and the Indo-Malay region.
Aquarium requirements
- Placement: foreground / refugium
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- Specific gravity: 1.024-1.026
- pH: 8.0-8.4
- dKH: 8-12
- Lighting: medium
- Role: ornamental, nutrient export
Growth and care
Growth is moderate and the alga is rated intermediate. It absorbs nitrate like other Caulerpa but is grown mainly as a decorative species. Harvest regularly and keep lighting consistent to lower the risk of the alga going sexual. The genus contains defensive compounds such as caulerpin.
Propagation
Propagation is by division of the runners; sections bearing several disk fronds and intact runner tissue continue to grow.
Propagating Caulerpa peltata (Disk Caulerpa)
Overview
Caulerpa peltata is a marine green macroalga of the genus Caulerpa, recognised by its disc-shaped (peltate) fronds. Like all Caulerpa it is coenocytic — the whole alga is effectively a single cell with many nuclei, making it one of the largest single cells in nature.
It grows as a creeping runner, or stolon, that spreads across the substrate anchored by rhizoids, sending upright fronds (assimilators) toward the light. In marine refugiums it is valued as a fast nitrate absorber that helps export nutrients from the system.
Propagation Method
Caulerpa propagates vegetatively by rhizoid extension and fragmentation. To multiply it you divide the stolon (runner): each separated piece carrying fronds and rhizoids will re-anchor and continue growing. This is runner division, not the substrate cuttings used for stem plants.
Step-by-Step
- Choose a healthy section of stolon bearing several fronds and rhizoids.
- Pinch or cut the runner to separate that section from the parent mat.
- Lay the piece on rock or rubble in the new refugium so the rhizoids can re-anchor.
- Keep lighting and flow steady and let the fragment re-establish before harvesting again.
Conditions for Healthy Growth
As a tropical marine macroalga it wants stable reef-tank conditions: full-strength salinity, alkaline pH around 8.0–8.4 and warm temperatures. Provide medium lighting on a refugium photoperiod and steady water flow.
- Stable salinity and alkaline marine pH.
- Medium lighting, often run opposite the display tank's cycle.
- Some dissolved nutrients to fuel the rapid growth that drives nutrient export.
Maintenance
Harvest regularly — pulling out roughly half every couple of weeks keeps it actively growing and absorbing phosphate, and is the most effective way to prevent it from going sexual. Never let an unpruned mass build up.
Common Challenges
Beyond going sexual, the genus is a known invasive: Caulerpa taxifolia escaped the aquarium trade and overran parts of the Mediterranean, Australia and southern California. Because of these risks many reefers now prefer Chaetomorpha, which exports nutrients without the same hazards. Never release Caulerpa into the wild.