Padina sp. – Ribbon Potato / Scroll Algae
Like a ribbon fry — delicate, golden, and often gone too soon.
What You Get
A single, hand-collected specimen of Padina, the lightly calcified brown “Ribbon Potato / Scroll Algae” from shallow, rocky Gulf and Caribbean habitats.
Each piece forms curled blades with natural concentric rings that can appear subtly iridescent under reef lighting. The calcified surface gives it a stiff, delicate feel,
more like a tiny fossilized scroll than a typical macroalga.
Why It Is Algaesome
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One of a kind: The ocean’s only calcified brown macroalga, a true oddity for macro collectors.
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Living art: Scrolls and rings that look like ribbon fries, fossil shells, or tiny stacked wafers.
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Collector appeal: Fragile, rare, and a brag-worthy showpiece for experienced keepers.
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Natural patina: Subtle speckling and bold rings add depth and contrast across each blade.
Sizing & Availability
Each portion includes one specimen approximately 3–5 inches across, or a few smaller 2 inch specimens.
Smaller scrolls often hold up better in transit and acclimation. Availability is limited and seasonal, and fronds may arrive with natural tears or holes, which is expected for this species.
Traits
Color
Tan to golden brown
Ease
Advanced
Classification
Brown macroalgae (lightly calcified)
Nutrient Uptake
Poor to fair
Availability
Seasonal / Limited
Use
Display macro
Lighting
High
Flow
Moderate to high
A Note from the Collectors:
Every macroalga we offer is hand-collected, acclimated, and observed by our team before shipping. While we carefully try to remove other algae, sponges, and tiny hitchhikers, it’s possible that a few “goodies” from the reef may tag along. It's a natural part of receiving genuine wild-collected specimens!
Many species may arrive paler or whitish in color. This is completely normal. Macroalgae shift their pigments inward during transport to protect from light and stress; color returns within a few days under good aquarium lighting and flow.
We ship via 2-Day service on Mondays and Tuesdays only to ensure specimens arrive healthy. The day that we choose to ship depends on weather conditions, the number of orders we have received, when you placed your order, and the readiness of your algae. You’ll receive a notification with tracking information as soon as your order ships.
