Chlorodesmis fastigiata

(C.Agardh) S.C.Ducker, 1969

Turtle Weed

Range: American Samoa, Australia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Japan, Micronesia, Mozambique, New Caledonia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, and Solomon Islands.

Natural Environment: Inhabits shallow lagoons on sandy/coral ruble areas receiving fairly strong currents and forming upright soft filamentous growths.

Aquarium Suitability: Called 'turtle weed' because its said to be eaten by turtles, however it does contain toxic substances that prevent it from being eaten most other species. Needs little care except for bright light and a brisk current and makes for nice bright green growths that are easily cared for and do not spread as do other species of unwanted algae. Suitable for use in both reef and fish-only aquariums and available in the trade.

Potential Control Species: Conch: Strombus alatus

Urchins: Diadema setosum and Mespilia globulus

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Plantae

Phylum: Chlorophyta

Class: Bryopsidophyceae

Order: Byropsidales

Family: Udoteaceae

Genus: Chlorodesmis