Maiden's Hair

Chlorodesmis fastigiata

Also known as Turtle Weed

Plantae›Chlorophyta›Ulvophyceae›Bryopsidales›Udoteaceae

📍 Indo-Pacific reef flats and lagoons

Vivid blue-green turf-like tufts of very fine filaments — a common sight on Indo-Pacific reefs. In captivity it can spread across rockwork quickly. Produces terpene compounds that deter most grazers. Interesting as a biotope element but can become a nuisance if left unchecked.

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Quick Facts

note: produces allelopathic compounds — keep away from sensitive corals
role: biotope / occasional nuisance
control: manual removal; most herbivores avoid it
lightLevel: medium to high

Water it likes

ph: 8.1–8.4
hardness: 8–18 dGH
temperature: 73–81°F (23–27°C)

Legality

No state or federal restrictions on record for this species.

Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and locality and change over time — always confirm the current regulations with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping, or shipping this species.