Dictyota dichotoma

(Hudson) J.V.Lamouroux, 1809

Range: Circumtropical

Natural Environment: Generally found along rocky shorelines where it attains a 12 inch height having flat Y-shaped blades.

Aquarium Suitability: Usually inters the trade attached to live rock gathered near shorelines. Often unsuitable for aquariums as it rarely lasts any length of time in aquariums and therefore, recommend this fleshy/soft species be removed before the rock is placed in the aquarium. Some, such as this species is somewhat colorful because of its place of collection, however most are brown or tan. And if trying to maintain any of these Y-shaped species, iodine additions appear to be helpful.

Potential Control Species: Fish: Naso brevirostris, and Naso lituratus

Urchins: Diadema setosum

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Chromista

Class: Phaeophyceae

Order: Dictyotales

Family: Dictyotaceae

Genus: Dictyota