Caulerpa brachypus
Trouble for Florida's Waters
Similar in look to Caulerpa prolifera. On Caulerpa brachypus each frond is thin, oval to elongated and up to 1.2 inches long. Apex of frond is slightly notched. Grass green in color.
Caulerpa prolifera has thicker fronds without an apex notch that reach a length of 6 inches.
Caulerpa brachypus is a non-native green macroalgae that is showing up on nearshore reefs and in the Indian River Lagoon.
This algae grows quickly without predators and can smother corals and seagrass beds. This algae can be quite damaging to our local ecosystem.
If you find Caulerpa brachypus please call Jeff Beal of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection at (772) 873-6590.
More Information:
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Revised May 14, 2003
