Sea Grapes care guide
Sea Grapes (Caulerpa racemosa) — medium light, 22-28 °C, pH 8-8.4, no CO2.
Overview
Sea Grapes (Caulerpa racemosa) is an aquatic plant of the family Caulerpaceae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as a beginner-level species. It is typically grown under medium light and without obligatory CO2 injection on fine sand. Saltwater macroalgae forming branches with grape-like vesicles. Decorative in display refugiums; rapid grower that should be harvested often. Considered invasive in the Mediterranean.
Taxonomy
- Family: Caulerpaceae
- Genus: Caulerpa
- Scientific name: Caulerpa racemosa
- Common synonyms: Green Caviar
Habitat
Caulerpa is a genus of green marine macroalgae (Caulerpaceae) of warm seas worldwide; the entire alga is a single giant cell, with a creeping stolon, holdfast rhizoids and upright fronds. In the Aquairi knowledge base, populations associated with this form are recorded from Cosmopolitan.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: medium
- CO2: not required
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 8-8.4
- GH: 8-12 °dGH
- Substrate: sand
- Maximum height: 15 cm
- Growth rate: fast
- Recommended placement: midground
Placement
Grown in a refugium or display, anchored among live rock; bright light and stable salinity drive growth and nutrient export from the system. In the Aquairi knowledge base this form is recommended for the midground under medium light and without obligatory CO2 injection, using fine sand.
Propagation
Spreads vegetatively along the stolon and from fragments; trimming runners and removing detached pieces controls its spread. Documented propagation techniques for this entry include: horizontal runners.
Common issues
Under stress or long darkness it can undergo a sudden reproductive event (going sexual), releasing gametes and crashing while clouding the water; regular harvest and a reverse-daylight refugium reduce the risk.