Red Pom Pom Gracilaria (Gracilaria sp.)

The Red Pom Pom Gracilaria (Gracilaria sp.) is a deep red, ruffly macroalgae that is a double threat in a saltwater system: it is one of the best natural foods you can offer tangs and other herbivores, and it is a hardy, fast-growing nutrient exporter that pulls nitrate and phosphate out of the water. Wedge a clump in the display for fish to graze, or tumble it in a refugium to grow it out. Pair it with the rest of our live inverts and macroalgae.

Live portion. You will receive a healthy portion similar to the one pictured. Exact size and shape vary since this is a living, growing macroalgae.

Care Guide

Gracilaria is one of the easiest marine macroalgae to keep, which makes it perfect for beginners and a staple in tang-heavy reef and fish-only tanks. It is forgiving and grows quickly once your saltwater chemistry is stable.

• Lighting: Moderate to high. Stronger light keeps the red color deep and drives faster growth.
• Flow: Moderate. It tumbles well in a refugium and also grows attached or wedged into rockwork in a display.
• Placement: Refugium, sump, or display. Rubber-band or wedge a clump where grazers can reach it, or let a loose ball tumble in a fuge.
• As a food: Tangs, rabbitfish, angelfish, and many other herbivores graze it readily. Offering live Gracilaria is a great way to keep grazers well fed and reduce nipping at corals.

Specifications

Recommended Reef Parameters

• Temperature: 75 to 80°F
• Salinity: 1.024 to 1.026 (about 35 ppt)
• pH: 8.1 to 8.4
• Alkalinity: 8 to 11 dKH
• Nitrate and phosphate present but not zero; macroalgae needs some nutrient to grow and color up.

Compatibility

Reef-safe and peaceful. It will not harm corals or fish. It is meant to be grazed, so in a tank with hungry tangs or rabbitfish it may be eaten faster than it grows; in that case grow a backup batch in a protected refugium and rotate clumps into the display. Keep it from being completely shaded out by faster nuisance algae.

Recommended Supplies

• Maxspect Jump Refugium Light to grow it out fast in a sump or fuge
• Brightwell ChaetoGrō macroalgae multi-nutrient supplement
• Want a colorful display macroalgae too? Add our Atomic Broccoli or tumbling Chaetomorpha
• Browse all saltwater supplies and fish foods

FAQ

Will it look exactly like the photo?
You will receive a healthy portion similar to what is shown. Because it is a living, growing macroalgae, the exact size and shape will vary.

Is it good for my tang?
Yes. Gracilaria is one of the most popular live foods for tangs and other herbivores. Grazing on it keeps fish healthy and busy and can reduce nipping at corals.

Refugium or display?
Both work. A refugium grows it out for nutrient export and a steady food supply; in the display, wedge it where fish can graze it.

Is it reef-safe?
Yes. It will not harm corals or fish and competes with nuisance algae for nutrients.