Gracilaria mammillaris
£20.00
Description
Gracilaria mammillaris (Red Macroalgae / Seaweed)
AT A GLANCE
Quick facts: Care level: Easy · Lighting: Low–Moderate · Flow: Low–Moderate · Feeding: Absorbs nutrients from water (no direct feeding required)
WHY SHOULD I BUY THIS ALGAE?
Gracilaria mammillaris is a versatile red macroalgae prized for its vibrant red coloration and elegant branching structure. It thrives in both refugiums and display tanks, providing a natural look while efficiently removing excess nitrates and phosphates. This algae also serves as a natural habitat and occasional food source for herbivorous fish, such as tangs and rabbitfish, making it both functional and visually appealing in a reef aquarium.
CARE LEVEL
Easy
Suitable for beginners and experienced aquarists with stable water conditions.
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
Consistent water parameters and moderate nutrient levels support healthy growth and deep red coloration.
LIGHTING
- Low–Moderate
- Photoperiod: 10–14 hours/day
Best growth occurs under moderate lighting, though Gracilaria tolerates lower light levels better than many other macroalgae.
PLACEMENT
- Refugium or Sump (preferred)
- Optional Display Placement: Can be loosely tied or placed on rockwork in display tanks
Ensure it is free-floating or loosely anchored to allow gentle movement, which prevents decay.
FLOW
- Low–Moderate
Gently tumbling water encourages nutrient absorption and keeps the algae free of detritus.
FEEDING
- Photosynthetic: No direct feeding required
- Nutrient Requirements: Absorbs dissolved nitrates, phosphates, and trace elements from water
Occasional pruning supports nutrient export and prevents overgrowth.
COMPATIBILITY & BEHAVIOR
- Temperament: Passive
- Safe with all reef fish and invertebrates
- Eaten by herbivorous fish (tangs, rabbitfish, some snails)
- Provides habitat for copepods, amphipods, and other microfauna
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Family: Gracilariaceae
- Origin: Indo-Pacific & Atlantic coastal regions
- Natural Habitat: Shallow reef flats, lagoons, and tidal pools with gentle water movement
- Growth Form: Branching, free-floating or loosely anchored red macroalgae
WHY WE RECOMMEND THIS ALGAE
✔ Vibrant red color enhances visual appeal in refugiums and display tanks
✔ Excellent nutrient exporter for reef systems
✔ Safe and edible for many herbivorous fish
✔ Provides natural microhabitat for beneficial organisms
DISCLAIMER
- Algae coloration may vary depending on lighting and water conditions
- Growth rate depends on nutrient availability and flow
- Prune regularly to maintain balance and prevent decay
- Always rinse or quarantine new algae to avoid unwanted hitchhikers
