Bottlebrush Green Algae
£15.00
Description
Caulerpa webbiana (Bottlebrush Green Seaweed)
AT A GLANCE
Quick facts: Care level: Easy · Lighting: Moderate · Flow: Low–Moderate · Feeding: Absorbs nutrients from water (no direct feeding required)
WHY SHOULD I BUY THIS ALGAE?
Caulerpa webbiana is a vibrant, upright green macroalgae known for its feathery, hair-like fronds. Its elegant, flowing appearance creates natural movement in refugiums and display tanks while helping efficiently remove excess nitrates and phosphates from the water. It also serves as a safe grazing substrate for herbivorous fish like tangs, blennies, and rabbitfish, and provides habitat for microfauna, adding both aesthetic and functional value to any marine aquarium.
CARE LEVEL
Easy
Ideal for beginners and experienced aquarists wanting to maintain stable water parameters.
WATER REQUIREMENTS & GENERAL CARE
- Temperature: 22–28 °C
- Salinity: 1.023–1.026 (32–35 ppt)
- pH: 7.8–8.4
- Nitrates (NO₃): 2–20 ppm
- Phosphates (PO₄): 0.02–0.1 ppm
Stable water conditions with adequate nutrients promote healthy growth and rich green coloration.
LIGHTING
- Moderate
- Photoperiod: 12–16 hours/day
Thrives under standard reef lighting. Moderate lighting encourages upright growth and keeps fronds healthy and vibrant.
PLACEMENT
- Refugium, Sump, or Display Tank
- Can be loosely planted in sand or gravel or left free-floating in refugiums
Ensure fronds have gentle water flow and are not overcrowded to allow proper movement and nutrient absorption.
FLOW
- Low–Moderate
Gentle water movement encourages frond swaying, prevents detritus buildup, and promotes nutrient uptake.
FEEDING
- Photosynthetic: No direct feeding required
- Nutrient Requirements: Absorbs dissolved nitrates, phosphates, and trace elements from water
Regular trimming promotes dense growth and prevents the algae from overtaking smaller tanks.
COMPATIBILITY & BEHAVIOR
- Temperament: Passive
- Safe for all reef fish and invertebrates
- Eaten by herbivorous species (tangs, rabbitfish, blennies)
- Provides a microhabitat for copepods, amphipods, and other microfauna
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Family: Caulerpaceae
- Origin: Tropical Indo-Pacific waters
- Natural Habitat: Shallow lagoons, reef flats, and seagrass beds with gentle water movement
- Growth Form: Upright, hair-like fronds; fast-growing and spreading
WHY WE RECOMMEND THIS ALGAE
✔ Fast-growing, hardy nutrient exporter
✔ Attractive upright green fronds with graceful movement
✔ Safe and edible for herbivorous fish
✔ Provides habitat for microfauna and supports ecosystem balance
DISCLAIMER
- Algae coloration may vary depending on lighting and nutrient levels
- Prune regularly to maintain system balance and prevent overcrowding
- Sensitive to sudden changes in water chemistry
- Quarantine new algae to avoid unwanted pests
