Where is Caulerpa taxifolia found?
Caulerpa Facts
Distribution: Caulerpa taxifolia is native to tropical waters, including the Caribbean, Indo-Pacific, and Red Sea. Infestations of the aquarium strain have been found in the Mediterranean Sea, Australia, and California.
Where does Caulerpa grow?
The algae, which is native to Florida and other subtropical and tropical locales, is scientifically known as Caulerpa prolifera. It can grow quickly, choking out native seaweeds and potentially harming marine life through lost habitat.
How did Caulerpa taxifolia enter the Mediterranean?
taxifolia was introduced by accident into the Mediterranean Sea from a public aquarium in Monaco, from where it has spread around the Mediterranean and also been found in California and southern Australia.
When was Caulerpa taxifolia first discovered in the Mediterranean?
1984
In 1984, Caulerpa taxifolia was first found growing in waters adjacent to the Oceanographic Museum in Monte Carlo, Monaco. It initially occupied 1 m-2.
How did killer algae get to the Mediterranean Sea?
Killer Algae is native to the Indian Ocean range but is now established in the Mediterranean Sea and was found in Southern California in 2000. It was introduced to the environment by net fouling, ballast water and released from aquariums. Killer Algae can form new fronds and stems from mere segments of itself.
Where else can Caulerpa taxifolia be found in the world now that it has spread?
Currently, Caulerpa has colonized thousands of hectares of sea bottom in the Mediterranean and it is found from France to Croatia and its range in the Mediterranean will likely to continue to expand.
Where is Caulerpa taxifolia invasive?
The Situation: Caulerpa taxifolia is an invasive alga that is causing serious environmental problems in the Mediterranean Sea. This invasive weed was discovered in southern California and New South Wales, Australia in 2000.
Why is Caulerpa taxifolia a problem?
Caulerpa taxifolia monopolizes the water’s oxygen, smothering marine plants such as sea grass and kelp, and its toxins can destroy the eggs of many animal species. It destroys clam beds and fisheries, overcomes corals and sponges, and prevents animals from grazing on invertebrates in bottom muds.
Why is the aquarium Mediterranean strain of Caulerpa taxifolia particularly invasive?
The Aquarium-Mediterranean strain of Caulerpa taxifolia is particularly invasive because: It was artificially selected to possess traits favorable to aquarium life.