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.
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.