Acetabularia

[Herpervet]

Hey macro gurus:

I have always been fond of Acetabularia alga. I used to fish in the lower Laguna madre on the Texas coast yearly and I have seen some knee deep flats that were littered with the stuff.

Any rock that was present on the sand would have a large clump on it sometimes very large (12 inches across for example)

I have been considering contacting the guide I used and having him ship me a few clumps but I want some info on how well it might do.

I have a very intensely lit tank (skylights) so duplicating the level of light hopefully won't be an issue.

 

[Samala]

I think we're all fond of Acetabularia in this forum! I do not know of anyone who is currently maintaining it long term though. The beautiful cup shapes that we recognize as characteristic are actually the last stage of the life cycle, and bear the spore containing structures for the alga's reproduction. The rest of the time it is a single spike with small fuzz shapes at the end where the cup will grow.

I usually say they are ephemeral in nature and tend to come and go as they please. Several of my snails have formed crops of this plant which have lasted upwards of three weeks before throwing their spores. No telling if there are now spores in the tank waiting for the right conditions to 'bloom'.

>Sarah

 

[Herpervet]

Nuts.

You wouldn't believe the clumps I have seen. Some basket ball sized or bigger.

I might still try just for grins.

thanks

Pete

 

[Samala]

Oh I'd encourage you to try it! Just because a few of us havent had luck doesnt mean someone wont. Just keep us (well me) in mind if you do have luck and find a few secrets to keeping it happy. Its a plant I'd love to keep around. I've gone so far as to bug research scientists who use it to study regeneration to learn how to grow it.. to no avail so far.

>Sarah