Botryocladia sp. — Red Grape Algae
Handpicked red grapes from Florida’s underwater vineyard.
What You Get
A bold, sculptural red macroalga collected offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, typically from ledges and hard-bottom habitat at 30–60 ft. Its signature look comes from bright red, grape-like bladders clustered along lightly calcified branches. Once anchored, it becomes a striking focal point in reef and lagoon-style aquascapes.
This species thrives under moderate light and gentle–moderate flow, and holds color well when nutrients are present but not excessive. You'll sometimes hear it referred to as Red Grape Caulerpa...Not a Caulerpa! It is just often mistaken for one!
Why It Is Algaesome
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Underwater vineyard: Jewel-like “grapes” add a unique texture and depth.
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True original: Commonly mislabeled, but belongs to its own distinctive genus.
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Display-ready: Hardy, colorful, and perfect for aquascapes, refugiums, or accent groupings.
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Nutrient Fighter: It doesn't soak in nutrients to Gracilaria or Caulerpa levels, but it can definitely be a helper!
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Contrast abounds: Pops beautifully against greens, browns, and rockwork.
Sizing & Availability
You’ll receive a single specimen approximately 4–6″ tall - large enough to anchor securely and immediately contribute to your macroscape. Availability varies by season and sea conditions.
Traits
ColorBright red “grapes”
EaseEasy–Moderate
ClassificationRed Macroalgae
Nutrient UptakeModerate
AvailabilitySeasonal (Warmer Months)
UseDisplay • Refugium
LightingModerate
FlowGentle–Moderate
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 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. You’ll receive a notification with tracking information as soon as your order ships.
