Coralline Algae (Rigid Branch Form)
Bring a bold touch of reef realism to your tank.
What You Get
This rigid, branching form of coralline algae brings bold structure and natural architecture to your reef. Unlike encrusting corallines, this form grows as firm, calcified branches ranging from lavender to rich purple. These pieces add instant “aging” and authenticity to aquascapes, and many hobbyists use them to help seed coralline growth throughout the tank.
Why It Is Algaesome
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Bold structure: Natural branching shapes create height, texture, and visual depth.
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Color: Lavender to deep-purple tones enhance contrast against rock and macroalgae.
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Seeding potential: Breaking small fragments into the sand bed or refugium helps spread coralline spores.
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Calcareous beauty: Adds the look of a mature reef instantly.
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Great for nano tanks: Strong visual impact without large footprint.
Sizing & Availability
Each specimen measures roughly 2–3 inches across, though branching density varies. This form is highly seasonal and collected only when healthy, well-formed clusters are available.
Traits
Color Lavender to deep purple
Ease Moderate to Advanced
Classification Coralline Red Algae
Nutrient Uptake Low, but you need calcium
Availability Seasonal
Use Display & Seeding
Lighting Moderate–High
Flow Moderate
A Note from the Collectors:
Rigid branched coralline naturally traps fine sediment and often hosts tiny sponges, film algae, and other epiphytic life. We lightly irrigate specimens prior to shipping, but some of these natural hitchhikers may remain — it’s part of receiving genuine wild-collected pieces.
These branches are fully calcareous and may lighten in color over time depending on lighting, nutrients, and calcium availability. Even when pale, their structure remains visually striking and can still help seed coralline throughout the tank.
We ship via 2-Day service on Mondays and Tuesdays only. Tracking is sent as soon as your order goes out.
