Caloglossa beccarii
Caloglossa beccarii, known as red moss, is a species of algae that may live in freshwater or brackish environments. It is found in the aquarium trade.
Description and distribution
Caloglossa beccarii is most closely related to C. stipitata and C. fluviatilis. The species has leafy branches that range in color from dark brown to violet. It may grow to be between 2–5 inches in length, and forms rhizoids which anchor the plant to surfaces.Caloglossa beccarii is typically found on stones in coastal streams of Southeast Asia, the western Pacific, and northern Australia. Specifically, it may be found in Malaysia, Indonesia, Burma, Thailand, and Singapore. It grows in association with mangrove trees.
The specific epithet honors Italian botanist Odoardo Beccari.
Uses
Aquascaping
Caloglossa beccarii is one of the few species of algae that is used in freshwater aquascaping. Although it has been known to European aquarists since the 1990s, it wasn't identified until a 2004 assessment by Maike Lorenz, professor at the University of Goettingen. In the trade, it is often referred to as Caloglossa cf. beccarii as certain identification is difficult. A 2020 DNA barcoding study isolated C. beccarii from Taiwanese aquarium stores.As an ornamental, the species is sought after for its coloration and for its habit of attaching itself to aquarium furniture. It is easy to cultivate, and if unchecked, may become weedy. It is known to aquarists as "red moss".