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.[1]
| Caloglossa beccarii | |
|---|---|
_De_Toni_-_Algae_-_Plant_type_specimen.jpeg)
| |
| Type specimen, Naturalis Biodiversity Center | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Clade: | Archaeplastida |
| Division: | Rhodophyta |
| Class: | Florideophyceae |
| Order: | Ceramiales |
| Family: | Delesseriaceae |
| Genus: | Caloglossa |
| Species: | C. beccarii
|
| Binomial name | |
| Caloglossa beccarii | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Delesseria beccarii Zanardini | |
Description and distribution
editCaloglossa beccarii is most closely related to C. stipitata and C. fluviatilis.[1] The species has leafy branches that range in color from dark brown to violet.[2] It may grow to be between 2–5 inches (5–10 cm) in length, and forms rhizoids which anchor the plant to surfaces.[3]
Caloglossa beccarii is typically found on stones in coastal streams of Southeast Asia, the western Pacific, and northern Australia.[4] Specifically, it may be found in Malaysia, Indonesia, Burma, Thailand, and Singapore.[5] It grows in association with mangrove trees.[2]
The specific epithet honors Italian botanist Odoardo Beccari.[1]
Uses
editAquascaping
editCaloglossa 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.[6] A 2020 DNA barcoding study isolated C. beccarii from Taiwanese aquarium stores.[7]
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.[6] It is known to aquarists as "red moss".[3]
Culinary
editIt has been proposed that Caloglossa beccarii has culinary potential. It is a source of trace minerals such as calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, and manganese, as well as amino acids such as arginine, leucine, and glutamine. It is high in ascorbic acid and antioxidants.[8]
See also
edit- Marimo, another species of algae used in freshwater aquascaping
- Freshwater aquarium algae
References
edit- ^ a b c Kamiya, Mitsunobu; West, John A.; Karsten, Ulf; Ganesan, E. K. (November 2016). "Molecular and morphological delineation of Caloglossa beccarii and related species (Delesseriaceae, Rhodophyta)". Phycologia. 55 (6): 640–649. Bibcode:2016Phyco..55..640K. doi:10.2216/16-19.1. ISSN 0031-8884. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
- ^ a b Latt, Cho Cho; Soe-Htun, U. (2014). "The Diversity and Distribution of the Genus Caloglossa J. Agardh (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta) in Setse and Kyaikkhami Coastal Areas". Mawlamyine University Research Journal. 5 (1). Retrieved 29 August 2024.
- ^ a b Michael (19 April 2024). "Red Moss Care Guide – Planting, Growing, and Propagation". Aquarium Breeder. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
- ^ King, R. J.; Puttock, C. F. (1994). "Morphology and taxonomy of Caloglossa (Delesseriaceae, Rhodophyta)". Australian Systematic Botany. 7 (2): 89–124. doi:10.1071/SB9940089. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
- ^ Sato, Hiroshi; Akiyama, Hiroyuki (2001). "Caloglossa beccarii (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta) from Thailand on the Malay Peninsula and its distribution in Southeast Asia" (PDF). Nature and Human Activities. 6: 101–104.
- ^ a b "Caloglossa cf. beccarii". Flowgrow. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
- ^ Zhan, Shing Hei; Hsieh, Tsai-Yin; Yeh, Lan-Wei; Kuo, Ting-Chun; Suda, Shoichiro; Liu, Shao-Lun (March 2021). "Hidden introductions of freshwater red algae via the aquarium trade exposed by DNA barcodes". Environmental DNA. 3 (2): 481–491. doi:10.1002/edn3.139. ISSN 2637-4943. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
- ^ Chankaew, W.; Amornlerdpison, D.; Lailerd, N. (2021). "Characteristics of red macroalgae, Caloglossa beccarii DeToni from freshwater for food as safe and other applications in Thailand". International Journal of Agricultural Technology. 17 (1): 1–12. Retrieved 29 August 2024.