Fine Branched Coralline Algae
Bring a light touch of reef realism to your tank.
What You Get
Fine Branched Coralline is a delicate, lavender to bright purple branching coralline that grows as a small, airy cluster instead of a flat crust. Thin, flexible branches form a soft, bush-like structure that looks like miniature coral or heather and brings an instant “real reef” feel to the aquascape.
We collect these pieces from hard bottom habitats where light and water quality support strong coralline growth. They make beautiful accent pieces on their own and can also be used to help seed desirable coralline algae throughout the aquarium as fragments naturally spread and encourage additional growth on rockwork and equipment.
Why It Is Algaesome
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Fine, branching structure that adds texture and realism to live rock.
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Lavender to purple coloration that stands out under reef lighting.
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Great for seeding coralline, even as small pieces placed around the tank.
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Natural habitat for microfauna within its branching framework.
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Stays compact so it fits well in nano tanks or as a front-placed accent.
Sizing and Availability
You will receive a single specimen measuring approximately 2 to 3 inches in diameter. Color and branch density vary with collection site, depth, and season. Some pieces are tighter and bushier, while others are more open and feathery.
Deeper Dive Info
Branching coralline algae belong to several groups of calcified red algae, and many species share similar forms. Identifying them to species level usually requires microscopic examination, so we categorize them by growth type. Fine Branched Coralline is defined by its thin, softer branches and lighter calcification compared to rigid, antler type corallines.
Branching corallines are generally more sensitive than encrusting forms. Long term success depends on bright lighting and stable calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium. Even older or partly bleached pieces continue to provide structure and a natural look in the aquascape while serving as a physical base for other coralline to colonize over time.
Traits
Color Lavender to bright purple
Ease Moderate to advanced
Classification Branching coralline (calcified red algae)
Nutrient Uptake None to low...but you need calcium!
Availability Seasonal and variable
Use Display macro and coralline seeding
Lighting Bright
Flow Moderate to strong
A Note from the Collectors:
Every specimen is hand collected, acclimated, and observed before shipping. Branching coralline naturally traps fine sediment and often holds tiny pieces of sponge or other algae within its structure. We remove what we can, but a bit of this reef character usually remains and is normal for wild collected pieces.
Fine Branched Coralline grows best in bright light with stable calcium and alkalinity. It should not be buried in the substrate. Pieces can be gently broken and placed in different areas of the aquarium to help encourage coralline coverage across rockwork and equipment. Color may lighten during shipping but often recovers under consistent reef lighting and good water quality.
We ship via 2 Day service on Mondays and Tuesdays to help ensure specimens arrive healthy. Tracking information is provided when your order ships.
