Laurencia iridescens (Iridescent Candy Algae)
A treat for your reef.
What You Get
Iridescent Candy Algae is a rare, jewel-like species of Laurencia with reflective purple, blue, and green highlights that shimmer under reef lighting. Each specimen forms compact, textured clumps of rounded, club shaped branchlets that glow from every angle.
We collect this species on hard bottom habitats in both Gulf and Atlantic waters, often in cooler pockets with strong current. It stays naturally small, which makes it perfect for nano reefs or as a striking accent in larger tanks.
Keep Laurencia iridescens above the substrate since red algae tissue can suffer if buried. Provide good flow to maintain its color and shape.
Why It Is Algaesome
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Iridescent color shifts with purple, blue, and mint tones
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Stays compact and does not sprawl across rockwork
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Flow shaped form with tighter growth in higher current
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Great for nano displays or collectors wanting a rare accent macro
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Moderate care with stable light and nutrients
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Low palatability so most grazers leave it alone
Sizing and Availability
Each specimen ranges from 1.5 to 3 inches in diameter. Color intensity varies naturally by environment, depth, and collection timing. This species is seasonal and usually available in smaller quantities in the late-spring to summer.
Traits
Color Iridescent purple green blue
Ease Moderate
Classification Red macroalgae (Laurencia)
Nutrient Uptake Moderate
Availability Seasonal and limited
Use Display macro
Lighting Moderate
Flow Moderate to high
A Note from the Collectors:
Every macroalga we offer is hand collected, acclimated, and observed before shipping. While we try to remove other algae, sponges, and tiny hitchhikers, a few reef goodies may tag along... it is a natural part of receiving genuine wild collected specimens. In the wild, this species tends to grow on/over sponges, rock rubble, shells, and other semi / rigid structures. Therefore, it is common to be collected with sponges and small portions of other macroalgae attached.
Some specimens may arrive lighter after shipping but usually regain their glow after a few days under stable reef lighting.
We ship via 2 Day service on Mondays and Tuesdays to help ensure specimens arrive healthy. Tracking information is provided when your order ships.
