Dragon’s Breath Macroalgae (Golf Ball Size)

About this macroalgae

Dragon’s Breath Macroalgae (Golf Ball Size). An ornamental red marine macroalgae commonly identified as Halymenia durvillei. Its soft, ribbon-like branches and forked, flame-shaped tips add vivid color and flowing texture to refugiums and saltwater displays. Color typically ranges from red to purplish red, with appearance influenced by lighting and growing conditions.

Dragon’s Breath absorbs dissolved nutrients as it grows, supporting nutrient management while providing shelter for copepods. Harvesting excess growth exports the nutrients held in that tissue. Tangs, rabbitfish, and other herbivorous fish may consume it, so placement should account for grazing.

Features:

• Red to purplish-red coloration

• Soft, branching blades with distinctive forked tips

• Suitable for ornamental displays and refugiums

• Supports nutrient export through growth and harvesting

• Provides habitat for copepods

• Can grow free-floating or attached to rock

• Supplied as an approximately golf-ball-sized portion

Specifications:

• Common name: Dragon’s Breath

• Scientific identification: Commonly sold as Halymenia durvillei

• Organism type: Red marine macroalgae

• Aquarium type: Saltwater / marine

• Portion size: Approximately golf ball size

• Growth form: Branching, ribbon-like fronds

• Lighting: Moderate; acclimate to the aquarium’s lighting

• Water flow: Adequate indirect movement to circulate water through the fronds

• Placement: Refugium or suitable display area

• Nutrition: Photosynthetic; utilizes dissolved nutrients

• Grazing risk: May be eaten by herbivorous fish

Portion size is approximate, not a fixed weight or diameter. Provide sufficient light and water movement, and protect the algae from grazing if maintaining it as a display specimen.