caulerpa

First described by Jean Vincent Lamouroux in 1809, Caulerpa is the only genus under the family Caulerpaceae, from the order Bryopsidales, class Ulvophyceae, and phylum Chlorophyta.{{Cite journal|last1=Zubia|first1=Mayalen|last2=Draisma|first2=Stefano G. A.|last3=Morrissey|first3=Kathryn Lee|last4=Varela-Álvarez|first4=Elena|last5=De Clerck|first5=Olivier|date=2019-07-23|title=Concise review of the genus Caulerpa J.V. Lamouroux|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10811-019-01868-9|journal=Journal of Applied Phycology|volume=32|issue=1|pages=23–39|doi=10.1007/s10811-019-01868-9|s2cid=198191015 |issn=0921-8971}} Through the use of tufA gene sequencing, it was revealed that Pseudochlorodesmis F. Børgesen was a sister clade of Caulerpa.{{Cite journal|last1=Draisma|first1=Stefano G.A.|last2=van Reine|first2=Willem F. Prud'homme|last3=Sauvage|first3=Thomas|last4=Belton|first4=Gareth S.|last5=Gurgel|first5=C. Frederico D.|last6=Lim|first6=Phaik-Eem|last7=Phang|first7=Siew-Moi|date=2014-10-09|title=A re-assessment of the infra-generic classification of the genusCaulerpa(Caulerpaceae, Chlorophyta) inferred from a time-calibrated molecular phylogeny|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jpy.12231|journal=Journal of Phycology|volume=50|issue=6|pages=1020–1034|doi=10.1111/jpy.12231|pmid=26988784 |bibcode=2014JPcgy..50.1020D |s2cid=35643976 |issn=0022-3646}} Cremen et al.{{Cite journal|last1=Cremen|first1=Ma. Chiela M.|last2=Leliaert|first2=Frederik|last3=West|first3=John|last4=Lam|first4=Daryl W.|last5=Shimada|first5=Satoshi|last6=Lopez-Bautista|first6=Juan M.|last7=Verbruggen|first7=Heroen|date=January 2019|title=Reassessment of the classification of Bryopsidales (Chlorophyta) based on chloroplast phylogenomic analyses|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2018.09.009|journal=Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution|volume=130|pages=397–405|doi=10.1016/j.ympev.2018.09.009|pmid=30227214 |bibcode=2019MolPE.130..397C |hdl=11343/233619 |s2cid=52294820 |issn=1055-7903|hdl-access=free}} proposed a new classification scheme in Bryopsidales, wherein Caulerpaceae and Halimedaceae were described as sister families.

Species discrimination via morphology-based identification is often hampered by the high degree of variation among traits. Thus, several species are often misidentified without the use of molecular analyses.{{Cite journal|last1=Dumilag|first1=Richard|last2=Aguinaldo|first2=Zae-Zae|date=2019|title=DNA Barcodes of Caulerpa Species (Caulerpaceae, Chlorophyta) from the Northern Philippines|journal=Philippine Journal of Science|volume=148|issue=2|pages=343–353|via=researchgate.net}} As of 2019, there are 101 accepted species, with 40 varieties and 67 forms.{{Cite journal|last1=Belton|first1=Gareth S.|last2=Draisma|first2=Stefano G.A.|last3=Prud’homme van Reine|first3=Willem F.|last4=Huisman|first4=John M.|last5=Gurgel|first5=C. Frederico D.|date=2019-05-04|title=A taxonomic reassessment of Caulerpa (Chlorophyta, Caulerpaceae) in southern Australia, based on tuf A and rbc L sequence data|url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00318884.2018.1542851|journal=Phycologia|language=en|volume=58|issue=3|pages=234–253|doi=10.1080/00318884.2018.1542851|bibcode=2019Phyco..58..234B |s2cid=155548995 |issn=0031-8884}}{{Cite web|last1=Guiry|first1=MD|last2=Guiry|first2=GM|date=2019|title=Algaebase|url=http://www.algaebase.org|url-status=live|website=Algaebase|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010804105221/http://www.algaebase.org:80/ |archive-date=2001-08-04 }}

Caulerpa species support their large cell size by having the cytoplasm circulate constantly, supported by a network of microtubules. This behavior was known in 1967.{{cite journal |last1=Sabnis |first1=DD |last2=Jacobs |first2=WP |title=Cytoplasmic streaming and microtubules in the coenocytic marine alga, Caulerpa prolifera. |journal=Journal of Cell Science |date=December 1967 |volume=2 |issue=4 |pages=465–72 |doi=10.1242/jcs.2.4.465 |pmid=6080540}}

The cytoplasm does not leak out when the cell is cut. Regeneration is directional, with rhizoids at the bottom and fronds at the top.{{cite journal |last1=Jacobs |first1=William P. |title=Caulerpa |journal=Scientific American |date=December 1994 |volume=271 |issue=6 |page=100 |doi=10.1038/scientificamerican1294-100 |bibcode=1994SciAm.271f.100J |quote=This tropical alga is the world’s largest single-celled organism. Yet it di›erentiates into a complex structure of leaves, stems and roots.}}

The genus produces a number of secondary metabolites thought to be related to its toxicity and peppery taste. These include the red pigment alkaloid caulerpin and its derivative caulerchlorin and the amine mixture caulerpicin.

File:Caulerpa racemosa algae.jpg showing irregular vesiculate ramuli (Hobgood, n.d.)]]

The genus Caulerpa exhibits several different growth forms. They possess a stolon with rhizoids which grow downward, anchoring the plant to the substrate. The stolons support upright fronds or leaves known as assimilators. The structure of the assimilator may be ligulate (leaf-like, e.g. Caulerpa prolifera), or they may have a central axis known as a rachis. The rachis may have lateral branchlets known as ramuli which themselves come in different forms (terete, turbinate, clavate, peltate, falcate, vesiculate) and arrangements: distichous - ramuli are arranged evenly opposite each other (e.g. Caulerpa taxifolia), irregular - vesiculate ramuli with no distinct arrangement (e.g. Caulerpa racemosa), verticillate - whorled ramuli (e.g. Caulerpa cuppresoides).

Caulerpa is coenocytic, meaning it has a multinucleate thallus organization. It is also siphonous, meaning unlike other algae, the thallus and the nuclei are not separated by cell walls. They are instead one long mass of protoplasm surrounded by a single cell wall.{{Cite journal|last1=Coneva|first1=Viktoriya|last2=Chitwood|first2=Daniel H.|date=2015-04-24|title=Plant architecture without multicellularity: quandaries over patterning and the soma-germline divide in siphonous algae|journal=Frontiers in Plant Science|volume=6|page=287 |doi=10.3389/fpls.2015.00287|pmid=25964794 |pmc=4408836 |issn=1664-462X|doi-access=free }} The genus also possesses trabeculae, which are inward growing cell wall extensions that pass through the central lumen of siphons. It is hypothesized that these provide the thallus with structural support, facilitate diffusion to the inner cytoplasm, and can possibly help in determining cell shape - which may contribute to the diversity of growth forms found in the genus.{{Cite journal|last1=Fagerberg|first1=Wayne R.|last2=Hodges|first2=Ellen (Lavoie)|last3=Dawes|first3=Clinton J.|title=The Development and Potential Roles of Cell-Wall Trabeculae Incaulerpa Mexicana(Chlorophyta) |date=April 2010|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1529-8817.2009.00784.x|journal=Journal of Phycology|volume=46|issue=2|pages=309–315|doi=10.1111/j.1529-8817.2009.00784.x|bibcode=2010JPcgy..46..309F |s2cid=83822519 |issn=0022-3646}}

Caulerpa is mostly found in tropical regions, however its distribution may also extend up to temperate locations. Diversity is highest in the Caribbean and the Indo-Malay region, as well as in southern Australia, where a majority of Caulerpa species are endemic.{{Cite journal|last1=Prud'Homme Van Reine|first1=W. F.|last2=Verheij|first2=E.|last3=Coppejans|first3=E.|date=October 1996|title=Species and ecads of Caulerpa (Ulvophyceae, Chlorophyta) in Malesia (South-East Asia): Taxonomy, biogeography and biodiversity|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/bf02272230|journal=Netherlands Journal of Aquatic Ecology|volume=30|issue=2–3|pages=83–98|doi=10.1007/bf02272230|bibcode=1996NJAqE..30...83P |s2cid=8354568 |issn=1380-8427}}

The genus is typically found in shallow intertidal zones and can reach up to depths of 100 meters. They are known to be able to adapt and thrive in different environmental conditions, which contributes to their potential for becoming invasive species. Some of their traits include having a high tolerance for a wide range of temperatures, their capacity for asexual reproduction through rhizoid extension and fragmentation, their fast growth rate, as well as their capacity for nutrient intake from sediments through their rhizoids.{{Cite web|last=Hoddle|first=Mark|date=2021|title=Caulerpa Taxifolia or Killer Alga|url=https://cisr.ucr.edu/invasive-species/caulerpa-taxifolia-or-killer-alga|url-status=live|access-date=14 January 2022|website=Center for Invasive Species Research, University of California Riverside|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929011709/https://cisr.ucr.edu/invasive-species/caulerpa-taxifolia-or-killer-alga |archive-date=2020-09-29 }} This last trait gives them a competitive edge over other macroalgal species who mainly absorb nutrients from the water column.{{Cite journal|last1=Chisholm|first1=J. R. M.|last2=Dauga|first2=C.|last3=Ageron|first3=E.|last4=Grimont|first4=P. A. D.|last5=Jaubert|first5=J. M.|date=May 1996|title='Roots' in mixotrophic algae|journal=Nature|volume=381|issue=6581|pages=382|doi=10.1038/381382a0|bibcode=1996Natur.381..382C |s2cid=7730222 |issn=0028-0836|doi-access=free}}

Many studies on the life cycle of Caulerpa have been found to contradict each other, leading researchers to conclude that it varies with species and geographical region. Earlier research revealed that Caulerpa has a diplontic life cycle with a diploid vegetative phase and haploid biflagellate gametes. However, it was later found that ploidy status and genome size can vary within and between species.{{Cite journal|last1=Clifton|first1=Kenneth E.|last2=Clifton|first2=Lisa M.|title=The Phenology of Sexual Reproduction by Green Algae (Bryopsidales) on Caribbean Coral Reefs |date=1999|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1529-8817.1999.3510024.x|journal=Journal of Phycology|volume=35|issue=1|pages=24–34|doi=10.1046/j.1529-8817.1999.3510024.x|bibcode=1999JPcgy..35...24C |s2cid=83704320 |issn=0022-3646}}Collado-Vides L, Ruesink J (2002)Morphological plasticity and invasive potential. In: Williams E, Grosholz E (eds) International Caulerpa taxifolia Conference Proceedings. San Diego, California, pp 88–118{{Cite journal|last1=Varela-Álvarez|first1=Elena|last2=Gómez Garreta|first2=Amelia|last3=Rull Lluch|first3=Jordi|last4=Salvador Soler|first4=Noemi|last5=Serrao|first5=Ester A.|last6=Siguán|first6=María Antonia Ribera|date=2012-10-22|title=Mediterranean Species of Caulerpa Are Polyploid with Smaller Genomes in the Invasive Ones|journal=PLOS ONE|volume=7|issue=10|pages=e47728|doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0047728|pmid=23110095 |pmc=3478284 |bibcode=2012PLoSO...747728V |issn=1932-6203|doi-access=free }}

File:USAID Measuring Impact Conservation Enterprise Retrospective (Philippines; Nagkakaisang Tribu ng Palawan) (26420465388).jpg (Caulerpa lentillifera) sold at a fish market in the Philippines]]

Some species of Caulerpa are edible. The two most commonly eaten are Caulerpa lentillifera and Caulerpa racemosa, both called "sea grapes" in English. Both are traditionally harvested in the wild and sold in local markets in Southeast Asia, Oceania, and East Asia. They are eaten raw in salads and have a characteristic "sea" flavor and a crunchy texture.{{cite journal |last1=Paul |first1=Nicholas A. |last2=Neveux |first2=Nicolas |last3=Magnusson |first3=Marie |last4=de Nys |first4=Rocky |title=Comparative production and nutritional value of "sea grapes" — the tropical green seaweeds Caulerpa lentillifera and C. racemosa |journal=Journal of Applied Phycology |date=21 December 2013 |doi=10.1007/s10811-013-0227-9|s2cid=15745994 }}

Both species are cultivated in aquaculture. Their cultivation began in the 1950s in Cebu, Philippines, after accidental introduction of C. lentillifera to fish ponds.{{cite book |last1=Trono |first1=Gavino C. Jr. |title=Manual on Seaweed Culture |date=December 1988 |publisher=ASEAN/UNDP/FAO Regional Small-Scale Coastal Fisheries Development Project |url=http://www.fao.org/3/ac417e/AC417E00.htm}} Cultivation of C. lentillifera continued in Japan in 1986, where it was cultivated in tanks in the tropical waters of Okinawa.{{cite web |last1=Trono |first1=G.C. Jr. |title=Caulerpa lentillifera (PROSEA) |url=https://uses.plantnet-project.org/en/Caulerpa_lentillifera_(PROSEA) |website=Pl@ntUse |publisher=PROSEA (Plant Resources of South East Asia) |access-date=26 October 2020}} Commercial cultivation has since spread to other countries, including Vietnam, Taiwan, and China (in Fujian and Hainan). Most are for domestic consumption, but they are also exported to Japan.{{cite journal |last1=Chen |first1=Xiaolin |last2=Sun |first2=Yuhao |last3=Liu |first3=Hong |last4=Liu |first4=Song |last5=Qin |first5=Yukun |last6=Li |first6=Pengcheng |title=Advances in cultivation, wastewater treatment application, bioactive components of Caulerpa lentillifera and their biotechnological applications. |journal=PeerJ |date=2019 |volume=7 |pages=e6118 |doi=10.7717/peerj.6118 |pmid=30643691|pmc=6329336 |doi-access=free }}

Cultivation of Caulerpa is convenient because they can propagate through fragmentation. There are several farming techniques being used to cultivate Caulerpa, which typically involve tying fragments to different types of infrastructure. Many Pacific countries such as Japan, Philippines, Vietnam, and Samoa use the off-bottom method, where the seaweeds are grown a few meters above the ground on cages or trays.{{Cite journal|last1=de Gaillande|first1=Clara|last2=Payri|first2=Claude|last3=Remoissenet|first3=Georges|last4=Zubia|first4=Mayalen|date=2016-07-31|title=Caulerpa consumption, nutritional value and farming in the Indo-Pacific region|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10811-016-0912-6|journal=Journal of Applied Phycology|volume=29|issue=5|pages=2249–2266|doi=10.1007/s10811-016-0912-6|s2cid=13674522 |issn=0921-8971}} The bottom-planting method is also used in the Philippines, and involves growing the Caulerpa on a substrate.{{Citation|last=Trono|first=Gavino C.|title=Diversity of the seaweed flora of the Philippines and its utilization|date=1999|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-4449-0_1|work=Sixteenth International Seaweed Symposium|pages=1–6|place=Dordrecht|publisher=Springer Netherlands|doi=10.1007/978-94-011-4449-0_1 |isbn=978-94-010-5909-1|access-date=2022-01-19}} Land-based raceways in hatchery-type facilities offer a more controlled environment for cultures, and have been used more in recent years.

Caulerpa contains a high amount of iron (up to 81.3 mg per 100 g of dry matter in C. racemosa),{{Cite journal|last1=SANTOSO|first1=Joko|last2=GUNJI|first2=Satoko|last3=YOSHIE-STARK|first3=Yumiko|last4=SUZUKI|first4=Takeshi|date=2006|title=Mineral Contents of Indonesian Seaweeds and Mineral Solubility Affected by Basic Cooking|journal=Food Science and Technology Research|volume=12|issue=1|pages=59–66|doi=10.3136/fstr.12.59|issn=1344-6606|doi-access=free}} magnesium, and calcium. Water content is species-specific and generally ranges from 75 – 94%. The genus is known to have a high bioaccumulation rate,{{Cite journal|last1=Żbikowski|first1=Radosław|last2=Szefer|first2=Piotr|last3=Latała|first3=Adam|date=October 2006|title=Distribution and relationships between selected chemical elements in green alga Enteromorpha sp. from the southern Baltic|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2005.12.007|journal=Environmental Pollution|volume=143|issue=3|pages=435–448|doi=10.1016/j.envpol.2005.12.007|pmid=16458400 |bibcode=2006EPoll.143..435Z |issn=0269-7491}}{{Cite journal|last1=Perryman|first1=Shane E.|last2=Lapong|first2=Imran|last3=Mustafa|first3=Akhmad|last4=Sabang|first4=Rosiana|last5=Rimmer|first5=Michael A.|date=February 2017|title=Potential of metal contamination to affect the food safety of seaweed ( Caulerpa spp.) cultured in coastal ponds in Sulawesi, Indonesia|journal=Aquaculture Reports|volume=5|pages=27–33|doi=10.1016/j.aqrep.2016.12.002|issn=2352-5134|doi-access=free|bibcode=2017AqRep...5...27P }} which can make it less than ideal to consume on a regular basis. Carbohydrate content can range from 3.6 - 83.2% of dry matter depending on the species. The main pigments of Caulerpa are chlorophyll a and b. It has a high diversity of chemical compounds which have pharmaceutical potential. Although the genus is known to exhibit high toxicity, it was found to be of low risk to humans.{{Cite journal|last=Parent-Massin|first=D.|title=Evaluation of the Toxicological Risk to Humans of Caulerpenyne Using Human Hematopoietic Progenitors, Melanocytes, and Keratinocytes in Culture |date=January 1996|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/009841096161924|journal=Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health|volume=47|issue=1|pages=47–59|doi=10.1080/009841096161924|pmid=8568911 |bibcode=1996JTEHA..47...47P |issn=0098-4108}}

Aside from being a source of food, Caulerpa has several uses from bioremediation, to fertilizer, and health and wellness. The anti-oxidant compounds of Caulerpa have been well-studied, and these are used in treating various diseases and health conditions such as cancer and cardiovascular disorders.{{Cite journal|last1=Zubia|first1=Mayalen|last2=Robledo|first2=Daniel|last3=Freile-Pelegrin|first3=Yolanda|date=2007-02-27|title=Antioxidant activities in tropical marine macroalgae from the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10811-006-9152-5|journal=Journal of Applied Phycology|volume=19|issue=5|pages=449–458|doi=10.1007/s10811-006-9152-5|bibcode=2007JAPco..19..449Z |s2cid=38528211 |issn=0921-8971}}{{Cite journal|last1=Cavas|first1=Levent|last2=Yurdakoc|first2=Kadir|date=July 2005|title=A comparative study: Assessment of the antioxidant system in the invasive green alga Caulerpa racemosa and some macrophytes from the Mediterranean|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jembe.2004.12.035|journal=Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology|volume=321|issue=1|pages=35–41|doi=10.1016/j.jembe.2004.12.035|bibcode=2005JEMBE.321...35C |issn=0022-0981}}{{Cite journal|last1=Matanjun|first1=Patricia|last2=Mohamed|first2=Suhaila|last3=Mustapha|first3=Noordin Mohamed|last4=Muhammad|first4=Kharidah|last5=Ming|first5=Cheng Hwee|date=2008-05-02|title=Antioxidant activities and phenolics content of eight species of seaweeds from north Borneo|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10811-007-9264-6|journal=Journal of Applied Phycology|volume=20|issue=4|pages=367–373|doi=10.1007/s10811-007-9264-6|bibcode=2008JAPco..20..367M |s2cid=25999633 |issn=0921-8971}} Caulerpa has been shown to be effective in filtering water used in culturing fish, mollusks, and shrimp{{Cite journal|last1=Paul|first1=Nicholas A.|last2=de Nys|first2=Rocky|date=2008|title=Promise and pitfalls of locally abundant seaweeds as biofilters for integrated aquaculture|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2008.05.024|journal=Aquaculture|volume=281|issue=1–4|pages=49–55|doi=10.1016/j.aquaculture.2008.05.024|bibcode=2008Aquac.281...49P |issn=0044-8486}} (in particular C. lentillifera{{Cite journal|last1=Chaitanawisuti|first1=Nilnaj|last2=Santhaweesuk|first2=Wannanee|last3=Kritsanapuntu|first3=Sirusa|date=2011-03-26|title=Performance of the seaweeds Gracilaria salicornia and Caulerpa lentillifera as biofilters in a hatchery scale recirculating aquaculture system for juvenile spotted babylons (Babylonia areolata)|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10499-011-9429-9|journal=Aquaculture International|volume=19|issue=6|pages=1139–1150|doi=10.1007/s10499-011-9429-9|bibcode=2011AqInt..19.1139C |s2cid=24792670 |issn=0967-6120}}). The use of Caulerpa as a biofertilizer has also been studied particularly in India, where fertilizers composed of 25% Caulerpa extracts enhanced the growth and reduced the total sugar content, among other things, of Vigna mungo.{{Cite journal|last1=Kalaivanan|first1=C|last2=Venkatesalu|first2=M|date=2012|title=Effect of sea Caulerpa scalpelliformis weed liquid extract on growth and biochemical constituents of black gram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper)|journal=Phycos|volume=42|pages=46–53}}{{Cite journal|last1=Abhilash|first1=ES|last2=Jisby|first2=Jacob|last3=Parayil|first3=Sheeja P|date=2014-01-05|title=Effect of sea weed (Caulerpa racemosa) extract on biochemical variations, growth and yield of Vigna mungo|journal=Asia Pacific Journal of Environment Ecology and Sustainable Development|volume=1|issue=1|pages=3–5|doi=10.3126/apjeesd.v1i1.9501|issn=2382-5170|doi-access=free}}{{Cite journal|last1=Mahadevi|first1=B|last2=Paul|first2=JP|date=2014|title=Influence of seaweed liquid fertilizer of Caulerpa peltata Lamour (green seaweed) on Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br., in Indinthakarai Tamil Nadu, India.|journal=International Journal of Phytotherapy Research|volume=4|pages=139–143}}

Another species, Caulerpa taxifolia, has become an invasive species in the Mediterranean Sea, Australia and southern California (where it has since been eradicated). In U.S. waters, the Mediterranean strain of Caulerpa taxifolia is listed as a federal noxious weed, under the Plant Protection Act. The Aquatic Nuisance Species Taskforce has also created a National Management Plan for the Genus Caulerpa. The state of California also prohibits possession of nine different species of Caulerpa.

It is thought that Caulerpa species have such invasive properties in these regions due to their capability to thrive in temperate waters, along with their freedom from natural predators. Most Caulerpa species evolved in tropical waters, where herbivores have immunity to toxic compounds (mainly caulerpicin) within the alga. Temperate water herbivores have no natural immunity to these toxins, allowing Caulerpa to grow unchecked if introduced to temperate waters.

C. racemosa has recently been found in waters around Crete, where it is thought to have contributed to a significant reduction in fisheries. The alga has invaded the area from the warmer waters of the Red Sea.

C. cylindracea, which is native to Australia, has also become an invasive species in the Mediterranean.{{cite journal |last1=Montefalcone |first1=Monica |last2=Morri |first2=Carla |last3=Parravicini |first3=Valeriano |last4=Bianchi |first4=Carlo Nike |title=A tale of two invaders: divergent spreading kinetics of the alien green algae Caulerpa taxifolia and Caulerpa cylindracea |journal=Biological Invasions |date=26 May 2015 |volume=17 |issue=9 |pages=2717–2728 |doi=10.1007/s10530-015-0908-1|bibcode=2015BiInv..17.2717M |hdl=11567/817427 |s2cid=1973648 |hdl-access=free }}

In New Zealand waters, invasive exotic caulerpa species have been found at Great Barrier Island, Great Mercury Island, and Goat Island Marine Reserve.{{cite web | url=https://www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/major-pest-and-disease-threats/caulerpa-exotic-seaweeds-found-at-great-barrier-and-great-mercury-islands/ | title=Caulerpa exotic seaweeds found at Great Barrier and Great Mercury islands | MPI - Ministry for Primary Industries. A New Zealand Government Department | date=3 May 2024 }}{{cite web |title=Invasive seaweed caulerpa, found close to Goat Island Marine Reserve, destroyed |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/520290/invasive-seaweed-caulerpa-found-close-to-goat-island-marine-reserve-destroyed |website=RNZ |access-date=23 June 2024}}

Caulerpa is common in the aquarium hobby as a nitrate absorber because of its rapid growth under relatively adverse conditions. It may also be used in refugiums for a long-term nitrite absorber. Many introductions of invasive Caulerpa to the wild are thought to have occurred via aquarium dumping although there is no proof that this is so. For this reason, some aquarium hobbyists have begun using Chaetomorpha or an algae scrubber instead.{{Cite web |url=http://www.reefbase.org/resource_center/publication/main.aspx?refid=10859 |title=Nutrient Cycling In The Great Barrier Reef Aquarium. Proceedings of the 6th International Coral Reef Symposium, Australia, 1988, Vol. 2 |access-date=2011-03-19 |archive-date=2019-12-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220004353/http://www.reefbase.org/resource_center/publication/main.aspx?refid=10859 |url-status=dead }}{{Cite book |last1=Calfo |first1=Anthony |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=broXAQAAIAAJ |title=Reef Invertebrates: An Essential Guide to Selection, Care and Compatibility |last2=Fenner |first2=Robert |date=2003 |publisher=Reading Trees |isbn=978-0-9672630-3-8 |pages=46 |language=en}}

File:Feather algae, Caulerpa sertularioides at 11 meters depth on ridge.jpg at 11 metres' depth on ridge]]

File:Oval sea grapes, Caulerpa racemosa var clavifera, at 5 meters depth.jpg var. clavifera, at 5 metres' depth]]

The following species are currently recognized in the genus Caulerpa:

{{div col|colwidth=250px}}

• Caulerpa agardhii {{small|Weber-van Bosse, 1898}}
• Caulerpa alternans {{small|Womersley, 1956}}
• Caulerpa ambigua {{small|Okamura, 1897}}
• Caulerpa andamanensis {{small|(W.R.Taylor) Draisma, Prudhomme & Sauvage, 2014}}
• Caulerpa antoensis {{small|Yamada, 1940}}
• Caulerpa articulata {{small|Harvey, 1855}}
• Caulerpa ashmeadii {{small|Harvey, 1858}}
• Caulerpa bartoniae {{small|G.Murray, 1896}}
• Caulerpa bikinensis {{small|W.R.Taylor, 1950}}
• Caulerpa biserrulata {{small|Sonder, 1871}}
• Caulerpa brachypus {{small|Harvey, 1860}}
• Caulerpa brownii {{small|(C.Agardh) Endlicher, 1843}}
• Caulerpa buginensis {{small|E.Verheij & Prud'homme van Reine, 1993}}
• Caulerpa cactoides {{small|(Turner) C.Agardh, 1817}}
• Caulerpa chamnitzia
• Caulerpa chemnitzia {{small|(Esper) J.V.Lamouroux, 1809}}
• Caulerpa cliftonii {{small|Harvey, 1863}}
• Caulerpa constricta {{small|I.R.Price, J.M.Huisman & M.A.Borowitzka, 1998}}
• Caulerpa coppejansii {{small|G.Belton & Prud'homme, 2019}}
• Caulerpa corynephora {{small|Montagne, 1842}}
• Caulerpa crispata {{small|(Harvey) G.Belton & Gurgel, 2019}}
• Caulerpa cupressoides {{small|(Vahl) C.Agardh, 1817}}
• Caulerpa cylindracea {{small|Sonder, 1845}}
• Caulerpa denticulata {{small|Decaisne, 1841}}
• Caulerpa dichotoma {{small|Svedelius, 1906}}
• Caulerpa diligulata {{small|Kraft & A.J.K.Millar, 2000}}
• Caulerpa ellistoniae {{small|Womersley, 1955}}
• Caulerpa elongata {{small|Weber Bosse, 1898}}
• Caulerpa falcifolia {{small|Harvey & Bailey, 1851}}
• Caulerpa faridii {{small|Nizamuddin, 1964}}
• Caulerpa fastigiata {{small|Montagne, 1837}}
• Caulerpa fergusonii {{small|G.Murray, 1891}}
• Caulerpa filicoides {{small|Yamada, 1936}}
• Caulerpa filiformis {{small|(Suhr) Hering, 1841}}
• Caulerpa flagelliformis
• Caulerpa flexilis {{small|J.V.Lamouroux ex C.Agardh, 1823}}
• Caulerpa floridana {{small|W.R.Taylor, 1960}}
• Caulerpa freycinettii
• Caulerpa geminata {{small|Harvey, 1855}}
• Caulerpa gracilis {{small|(Zan.) Web. V. B.}}
• Caulerpa hedleyi {{small|Weber-van Bosse, 1910}}
• Caulerpa heterophylla {{small|I.R.Price, J.M.Huisman & M.A.Borowitzka, 1998}}
• Caulerpa hodgkinsoniae {{small|J.Agardh, 1887}}
• Caulerpa holmesiana {{small|G.Murray, 1891}}
• Caulerpa integerrima {{small|(Zanardini) M.J.Wynne, Verbruggen & D.L.Angel, 2009}}
• Caulerpa juniperoides {{small|J.Agardh, 1873}}
• Caulerpa kempfii {{small|A.B.Joly & S.M.B.Pereira, 1975}}
• Caulerpa laetivirens
• Caulerpa lagara {{small|Carruthers, Walker & Huisman, 1993}}
• Caulerpa lamourouxii {{small|(Turner) C.Agardh, 1817}}
• Caulerpa lanuginosa {{small|J.Agardh, 1873}}
• Caulerpa lentillifera {{small|J.Agardh, 1837}}
• Caulerpa lessonii {{small|Bory de Saint-Vincent, 1828}}
• Caulerpa longifolia {{small|C.Agardh, 1823}}
• Caulerpa lucasii {{small|Prud'homme, Draisma & G.Belton, 2019}}
• Caulerpa macra {{small|(Weber-van Bosse) Draisma & Prud'homme, 2014}}
• Caulerpa macrodisca {{small|Decaisne, 1842}}
• Caulerpa manorensis {{small|Nizamuddin, 1964}}
• Caulerpa matsueana {{small|Yamada, 1940}}
• Caulerpa megadisca {{small|G.S.Belton & C.F.D.Gurgel, 2014}}
• Caulerpa mexicana {{small|Sonder ex Kützing, 1849}}
• Caulerpa microphysa {{small|(Weber Bosse) Feldmann, 1955}}
• Caulerpa muelleri {{small|Sonder, 1853}}
• Caulerpa murrayi {{small|Weber Bosse, 1898}}
• Caulerpa nummularia {{small|Harvey ex J.Agardh, 1873}}
• Caulerpa obscura {{small|Sonder, 1845}}
• Caulerpa occidentalis {{small|(J. Ag.) Boergs.}}
• Caulerpa okamurae {{small|Weber Bosse, 1897}}
• Caulerpa oligophylla {{small|Montagne, 1842}}
• Caulerpa ollivieri {{small|Dostál, 1929}}
• Caulerpa opposita {{small|Coppejans & Meinesz, 1988}}
• Caulerpa papillosa {{small|J.Agardh, 1873}}
• Caulerpa parvifolia {{small|Harvey, 1860}}
• Caulerpa parvula {{small|Svedelius, 1906}}
• Caulerpa paspaloides {{small|(Bory de Saint-Vincent) Greville, 1830}}
• Caulerpa pennata {{small|J.Agardh, 1873}}
• Caulerpa pinnata {{small|C.Agardh, 1817}}
• Caulerpa plumulifera {{small|Zanardini, 1878}}
• Caulerpa prolifera {{small|(Forsskål) J.V.Lamouroux, 1809}}
• Caulerpa pusilla {{small|(Kützing) J.Agardh, 1873}}
• Caulerpa qureshii {{small|Nizamuddin, 1964}}
• Caulerpa racemosa {{small|(Forsskål) J.Agardh, 1873}}
• Caulerpa remotifolia {{small|Sonder, 1853}}
• Caulerpa reniformis {{small|G.R.South & Skelton, 2003}}
• Caulerpa reyesii {{small|Meñez & Calumpong, 1982}}
• Caulerpa scalpelliformis {{small|(R.Brown ex Turner) C.Agardh, 1817}}
• Caulerpa sedoides {{small|C.Agardh, 1817}}
• Caulerpa selago {{small|(Turner) C.Agardh, 1817}}
• Caulerpa serrulata {{small|(Forsskål) J.Agardh, 1837}}
• Caulerpa sertularioides {{small|(S.G.Gmelin) M.Howe, 1905}}
• Caulerpa seuratii {{small|Weber-van Bosse, 1910}}
• Caulerpa simpliciuscula {{small|(R.Brown ex Turner) C.Agardh, 1823}}
• Caulerpa spathulata {{small|Womersley & A.Bailey, 1970}}
• Caulerpa subserrata {{small|Okamura, 1897}}
• Caulerpa taxifolia {{small|(M.Vahl) C.Agardh, 1817}}
• Caulerpa tongaensis {{small|Papenfuss, 1943}}
• Caulerpa trifaria {{small|Harvey, 1863}}
• Caulerpa turbinata {{small|(J. Ag.) Eubank}}
• Caulerpa urvilleana {{small|Montagne, 1845}}
• Caulerpa veravalensis {{small|Thivy & V.D.Chauhan, 1963}}
• Caulerpa verticillata {{small|J.Agardh, 1847}}
• Caulerpa vesiculifera {{small|(Harvey) Harvey, 1863}}
• Caulerpa vickersiae {{small|Børgesen, 1911}}
• Caulerpa vieillardii {{small|Kützing, 1863}}
• Caulerpa vitifolia {{small|(Bonpland) J.V.Lamouroux}}
• Caulerpa webbiana {{small|Montagne, 1837}}
• Caulerpa wysorii {{small|T.Sauvage & M.J.Wynne, 2021}}
• Caulerpa zeyheri {{small|Kützing, 1857}}

{{div col end}}

• Valonia ventricosa, another large coenocytic organism

{{Reflist}}

• {{cite journal |last=Jacobs |first=William P. |date= December 1994|title=Caulerpa |journal=Scientific American |volume=271 |issue=6 |pages=66–71|doi=10.1038/scientificamerican1294-100 |bibcode=1994SciAm.271f.100J }}

{{Wikispecies|Caulerpa}}

• [https://www.fao.org/4/y4765e/y4765e0b.htm Food and Agriculture Organization] - Seaweeds used as human food
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20050124090036/http://www.itis.usda.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=6963 ITIS report]
• [http://www.brookscole.com/biology_d/templates/student_resources/0030270448_tobin/webbit/ch04-01.html Largest Single Cell] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205142630/http://www.brookscole.com/biology_d/templates/student_resources/0030270448_tobin/webbit/ch04-01.html |date=2012-02-05 }}
• [http://cisr.ucr.edu/caulerpa_taxifolia.html CISR: Caulerpa taxifolia or Killer Alga] Center for Invasive Species Research page on Caulerpa taxifolia and Killer Alga
• [http://www.caulerpa.com] Caulerpa.com Blog

{{Taxonbar|from=Q133953}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Ulvophyceae genera

Category:Edible seaweeds