Halophila stipulacea Care Guide
Halophila stipulacea is a true seagrass with paired oval leaves on creeping rhizomes, demanding deep substrate and stable salinity in nature-style marine tanks.
Overview
Halophila stipulacea is a true marine flowering plant (seagrass) in the family Hydrocharitaceae. It consists of thin creeping rhizomes about 0.5-2 mm thick, with short stems each bearing a pair of leaves. The leaves have a serrated edge and a clear midvein with branched cross veins; they are roughly 3-6 cm long and 2.5-8 mm wide, growing longer with depth.
Taxonomy
- Family: Hydrocharitaceae
- Genus: Halophila
- Scientific name: Halophila stipulacea
- Order: Alismatales
Habitat
The species is native to the Indian Ocean and is widespread through the Gulf of Aqaba. It tolerates a wide range of conditions, growing from mid-tide level to depths of over 85 m on substrates ranging from coarse coral rubble to soft mud, and can survive being temporarily buried by sediment. It entered the Mediterranean after the opening of the Suez Canal (first documented in 1894) and has since become invasive in the Caribbean, where it can form thick mats that displace native seagrasses. The IUCN Red List rates it Least Concern.
Growth requirements
- Water type: marine (saltwater)
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 8.0-8.4
- Lighting: high
- CO2: not required
- Growth rate: slow
Although hardy in the wild, in aquaria the seagrass is demanding: it needs a deep substrate for its rhizomes, strong lighting and stable salinity. Roots emerge from each rhizome node and bind sand or gravel.
Placement
The KB record places Halophila stipulacea in the midground at a low height around 10 cm. It spreads horizontally across a sand bed via its rhizome rather than growing tall.
Propagation
Propagation is primarily by rhizome division and lateral spread; in deeper water the plant produces longer leaves and longer internodes. Establishing it in an aquarium relies on giving the rhizome an undisturbed, mature sand bed to colonise.