Halymenia 'Dragon Breath' Care Guide
Halymenia 'Dragon Breath' is a vibrant red ornamental macroalga used as a centerpiece in marine display tanks under moderate light.
Overview
Halymenia is a genus of macroscopic red algae in the family Halymeniaceae. 'Dragon Breath' is an aquarium trade name applied to a red, neon-pink frond form kept as an ornamental display macroalga; it is not a formally described species. The genus was established by C. Agardh in 1817.
Taxonomy
- Family: Halymeniaceae
- Genus: Halymenia
- Scientific name (trade form): Halymenia sp. 'Dragon Breath'
- Class: Florideophyceae; Order: Halymeniales (phylum Rhodophyta)
- Note: 'Dragon Breath' is a hobby trade name, not a formal taxon
Habitat
Halymenia grows in oceans worldwide. Species diversity is highest in warm temperate and tropical regions, with the Indo-Pacific holding a large share of recorded species; the genus also occurs in some cold temperate areas.
Aquarium use
The 'Dragon Breath' form is grown as a centerpiece in marine display tanks rather than as a primary refugium alga. Its colour is associated with moderate light; intense lighting is generally avoided to preserve the red pigmentation.
Tank requirements
- Water type: saltwater (marine)
- Temperature: 22-27 °C (72-81 °F)
- pH: 8.0-8.4
- GH reference: 8-12 °dGH
- Lighting: medium
- CO2 injection: not required
- Growth rate: slow; height up to ~15 cm
Care and propagation
As a slow-growing display alga, it is usually attached or wedged into rockwork and given gentle to moderate flow. Propagation is by division. Because growth is slow, trimming is infrequent, roughly monthly, and the focus is on stable parameters rather than heavy harvesting.