List of marine aquarium plant species
Aquatic plants are used to give the aquarium a natural appearance, oxygenate the water, and provide habitat for fish, especially fry (babies) and for invertebrates. Some aquarium fish and invertebrates also eat live plants. Hobby aquarists use aquatic plants for aquascaping.
Marine algae are also included in this list for convenience, despite the fact that they are technically classified as protists, not plants.
Brown Macroalgae
Common name |
Image |
Taxonomy |
Care Level |
Growth rate |
Description |
Max size |
False Sargassum | | Cystoseira sp. | Moderate | Slow | | 18" |
Scroll algae, Potato algae | | Padina sp. | Expert | Slow | | 6" |
Green Macroalgae
Common name |
Image |
Taxonomy |
Care Level |
Growth rate |
Description |
Max size |
Chaeto | | Chaetomorpha sp. | Easy | Fast | | 24" mound |
Blade caulerpa | | Caulerpa prolifera | Easy | Fast | | 6" |
Grape caulerpa | | Caulerpa racemosa | Easy | Fast | | 8" |
Green calcerous algae | | Halimeda sp. | Easy to Moderate | Moderate | | 10" |
Sawblade caulerpa | | Caulerpa serrulata | Easy | Moderate | | 5" |
Sea lettuce | | Ulva lactuca | Easy | Fast | | 8" mound |
Red Macroalgae
Common name |
Image |
Taxonomy |
Care Level |
Growth rate |
Description |
Max size |
Ogo algae | | Gracilaria parvispora | Easy | Moderate | | 10" |
Coralline Algae | | Lithophyllum sp. | Moderate | Slow | | 8" |
Mangroves
See also
References
- Marine Plants In The Aquarium: An online guide to the identification and care of marine plants and macroalgae in the aquarium. Gulf Coast Ecosystems http://marineplantbook.com