Aquatic Nuisance Project
Fact Sheet

Species: Caulerpa

Caulerpa

(Caulerpa Taxifolia)

Nicknamed “killer algae”, part of this species success as an invader in non-native habitats is the lack of natural predators. Predation by herbivorous fish and invertebrates is an important controlling factor in the ecology of this alga. C. taxifolia grows unchecked in environments with no natural predators.

ANS Examples

Chinese Mitten Crab

mittencrab

(Eriocheir sinensis)

Poses a potential threat to native invertebrates and to the ecological structure of freshwater and brackish estuarine communities