Description
Red Spaghetti Ogo Macroalgae (Gracilaria pacifica)
Red Spaghetti Ogo (Gracilaria pacifica) is similar in appearance to the related ogo seaweeds. It gets its common name from its long, stringy structure (it has greatly reduced blades). Branches are tube-like with shorter, spiky branches along the sides. It can reach 50 cm in length but is only 2 mm in width. Because of its stemmy form, it forms dense thickets when grown in compact spaces (e.g. in the refugium). This macro is red to reddish brown in coloration, with a sometimes slightly translucent appearance.
Red Spaghetti macroalgae may also be used in the display tank provided that no large herbivores are present. When cultivated in refugia, harvested portions of this nutritious, highly palatable seaweed can be offered to animals in the main tank. See below for more information.
Size and Care Requirements:
- Purchase Size: 3-4″ (ball diameter) – 0.75-1 ounce weight
- Max Size: approximately 7″ (diameter)
- Water Parameters: -78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 7.8-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
- Color: Red to reddish brown
- Reef-Safe: Yes
- Fertilization: Generally, there are sufficient nutrients/minerals in the aquarium water to support this species. The regular replenishment of trace elements, however, might boost growth.
Red Spaghetti Ogo Macroalgae Species Information
The Red Spaghetti Ogo macroalgae (Gracilaria pacifica) is distributed across the American Pacific Coast from Alaska to northern Mexico. It prefers rocky, subtidal environments that are shallow and well protected from strong currents. It typically grows attached to a stone, but may be found unattached or even “rooted,” partially buried in the sediments.
Gracilaria pacifica grows in the refugium either attached to rocks or free-floating (e.g. tumbled). Red spaghetti macro grows at a faster rate than many other Gracilaria spp. and is thus excellent when utilized for nutrient export. As it prefers cooler waters, this species fares best in systems that are less susceptible to summer temperature spikes. Because it tolerates moderate light intensities, it can be placed in shadier/deeper parts of the tank. An excellent live food, it can supplement the diet of many herbivorous fishes such as blennies, rabbitfish, angelfish, tangs, etc.
Benefits of Aquacultured Red Spaghetti Ogo
Aquacultured red spaghetti ogo macroalgae are highly preferable to wild-harvested specimens. If cultivated in captivity, for example, they are far better adapted to aquarium life. They are also much less likely to carry pests. Aquacultured specimens are also better equipped to handle shipping stress. And, when you purchase captive-bred livestock, you support the aquaculture of marine organisms and help to make our hobby more sustainable!
AlgaeBarn keeps red spaghetti macroalgae in a macroalgae-specific system to reduce the risk of transfer unwanted hitchhikers such as fish parasites.
100% Alive on Arrival (AoA) Guarantee
We guarantee that all red spaghetti macroalgae we ship will be Alive On Arrival and in good health. Should they arrive in any other state, we will either replace them for free (including shipping). We issue store credit if the total livestock loss is less than $40. Please visit our 100% Alive On Arrival Guarantee page for more information.
