Killer Seaweed
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Scientific Name
Caulerpa taxifolia - Visit ITIS for full scientific classification.
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Description
Caulerpa taxifolia. © 2005 Regents, University of California.- Fast-growing, bright green feather-like fronds, 3-5 inches tall, arising from horizontal stems (stolons).
- Used as a decorative saltwater aquarium plant.
- Occurs as both a native and an invasive strain.
- Easily confused with other species of Caulerpa.
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Habitat
- Found on rocky, sandy and muddy bottoms in shallow lagoons, or at deeper depths.
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Invasion Pathways and Distribution
- Broadly distributed in tropical seas.
- Invasive aquarium strain spreads when released in the sea.
- Can grow from small fragments transported by boat anchors and fishing gear.
- Now found in the Mediterranean Sea and Australia.
- Introduced to two small lagoons in California in 2000 and removed with great effort and expense.
- Now illegal to possess, sell, or transport in California.
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Life History
- Sexual reproduction observed in the native strain, but not in the invasive aquarium strain, which reproduces through fragmentation.
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Impacts
- Grows and spreads rapidly, forming dense mats.
- Outcompetes native species for space and light.
- Contains toxic substances that make it distasteful to animals that eat seaweeds.
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References and Useful Links
For references by category and links to other useful AIS sites see our LEARN MORE page.
