Halophila ovalis

(R.Brown) J.D.Hooker, 1858

Paddle Weed, Spoon Grass, Dugong Grass

Range: Indo-Pacific Ocean - widespread.

Natural Environment: Inhabits soft sand and mud substrates in coastal and estuarine areas of the tropics and subtropics where it can be found as deep as 100 feet (30 m). Often invades intertidal areas.

Aquarium Suitability: Requires a deep organic-rich sand bed and tolerates low light and slow water movement, making it one of the better seagrasses for aquarium use. Difficult to find in the trade, especially healthy specimens.

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Plantae

Phylum: Tracheophyta

Class: Monocots

Order: Alismatales

Family: Hydrocharitaceae

Genus: Halophila