Classification: Marine Macroalgae
Species:Gracilaria hayi
Common Names: Red Dragon’s Breath Algae
Red Dragon’s Breath (Gracilaria hayi) is one of the most visually striking macroalgae available for reef aquariums, prized for its vivid bright red to deep burgundy coloration and distinctive flame-like branching fronds. This species forms compact, delicately tapered clusters that add dramatic movement, color, and texture to any marine system.
This macroalgae is also highly valued as a premium natural food source for herbivorous fish, especially tangs, rabbitfish, and foxfaces. Its structure and nutritional profile make it an excellent supplementary seaweed choice for daily grazing.
Red Dragon’s Breath is suitable for both refugiums and display aquariums, offering ornamental beauty as well as functional benefits. As it grows, it absorbs nitrates and phosphates, assisting with natural nutrient export and helping maintain cleaner, more stable water conditions.
Acclimation:
Float the unopened bag in your tank for 30–60 minutes to equalize temperature before placing the algae in the system.
Gracilaria hayi does not naturally attach itself to rock or substrate. Use:
• Rubber bands
• Reef-safe glue
• Rock-held methods
to secure the algae in place if desired.
• Trim periodically to remove absorbed nutrients
• Feed trimmings to herbivorous fish
• Provide moderate flow to prevent detritus buildup
• Maintain available nitrate and phosphate levels for sustained growth
Lighting:
Moderate lighting is ideal. Higher lighting intensifies the red coloration.
Flow:
Moderate flow recommended to keep fronds clean and moving gently.
Growth Rate:
Moderate; grows more slowly than Chaeto but stays compact and manageable.
• Highly ornamental red/burgundy coloration
• Excellent natural food for tangs and other herbivores
• Assists in nutrient export (nitrate and phosphate reduction)
• Ideal for refugiums and display tanks
• Hardy and easy to manage
• Adds motion, texture, and color diversity
• Refugiums
• Macroalgae display tanks
• Reef aquariums with tangs or herbivores
• Tanks needing natural nutrient absorption
• Hobbyists seeking vibrant red macroalgae
Classification: Marine Macroalgae
Species:Gracilaria hayi
Common Names: Red Dragon’s Breath Algae
Red Dragon’s Breath (Gracilaria hayi) is one of the most visually striking macroalgae available for reef aquariums, prized for its vivid bright red to deep burgundy coloration and distinctive flame-like branching fronds. This species forms compact, delicately tapered clusters that add dramatic movement, color, and texture to any marine system.
This macroalgae is also highly valued as a premium natural food source for herbivorous fish, especially tangs, rabbitfish, and foxfaces. Its structure and nutritional profile make it an excellent supplementary seaweed choice for daily grazing.
Red Dragon’s Breath is suitable for both refugiums and display aquariums, offering ornamental beauty as well as functional benefits. As it grows, it absorbs nitrates and phosphates, assisting with natural nutrient export and helping maintain cleaner, more stable water conditions.
Acclimation:
Float the unopened bag in your tank for 30–60 minutes to equalize temperature before placing the algae in the system.
Gracilaria hayi does not naturally attach itself to rock or substrate. Use:
• Rubber bands
• Reef-safe glue
• Rock-held methods
to secure the algae in place if desired.
• Trim periodically to remove absorbed nutrients
• Feed trimmings to herbivorous fish
• Provide moderate flow to prevent detritus buildup
• Maintain available nitrate and phosphate levels for sustained growth
Lighting:
Moderate lighting is ideal. Higher lighting intensifies the red coloration.
Flow:
Moderate flow recommended to keep fronds clean and moving gently.
Growth Rate:
Moderate; grows more slowly than Chaeto but stays compact and manageable.
• Highly ornamental red/burgundy coloration
• Excellent natural food for tangs and other herbivores
• Assists in nutrient export (nitrate and phosphate reduction)
• Ideal for refugiums and display tanks
• Hardy and easy to manage
• Adds motion, texture, and color diversity
• Refugiums
• Macroalgae display tanks
• Reef aquariums with tangs or herbivores
• Tanks needing natural nutrient absorption
• Hobbyists seeking vibrant red macroalgae
