Floating Chlorophyta

[Ocean Drive]

I know the dangerous effects that Caulerpa species has when the tips of the leaves growing touch the surface of the water. Dangerous toxins are yielded with a collapse where the tips of the leaves turn white. I want to know if also with others Chlorophyta, in particular Chaetomorpha, obtains a similar effect.
Many thanks.

 

[Samala]

The 'toxin' that aquarists are the most anxious about is caulerpenyne (hope I spelled that right) and is specific to macroalgae in the genus Caulerpa. I do not know if Chaetomorpha genus members also produce antiherbivore, antibiofouling or other compounds. They might.

I have not heard before that Caulerpa touching the surface drives it to produce the toxins and release them into the water.

>Sarah

 

[Ocean Drive]

Sarah, congratulations for your "Macroalgae primer", nice job.

In Italy, I and others reefkeeper with refugium had this type of experience about the bleaching of Caulerpa taxifolia. Probably it could be an effect of excessive temperature emitted from the lights of the refugium.

 

[graveyardworm]

My cheato typically floats and grows well even in areas where the plant gets some exposure to air. I've also had caulerpa touch the surface but have yet to see an adverse reaction. I believe if it became totally exposed for period of time that part would die.