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coral rubble

Sea grapes Caulerpa lentillifera Family Caulerpaceae

Sea grapes are more commonly seen on the coral rubble, sprinkled among the sponges. Sometimes, they are also washed ashore.

This seaweed grows best in shallow lagoons where the water is calm and where it is not exposed too often at low tide. It does not tolerate wide fluctuations in salinity or very low levels of salinity. Thus, the seaweed is rather seasonal, probably being affected by increased freshwater during the rainy season. On Chek Jawa, preliminary results of a transact survey suggest Sea grapes are found in a few patches in the seagrass lagoon as well.

Human uses: This is the most popular edible species of Caulerpa. In the Philippines, the seaweed is eaten fresh as a salad, or salted so it can be eaten later. Small quantities are also exported to Japan. It is also eaten in Malaysia and Indonesia. The seaweed is also fed to livestock and fish. The seaweed is high in minerals and is said to taste refreshing. It is also reported to have antibacterial and antifungal properties, and to be used to treat high blood pressure and rheumatism. This seaweed is commercially farmed in Cebu, Philippines. Cuttings are planted by hand in the mud in ponds in the mangroves, and harvested in 3-4 months. However, some Caulerpa species produce toxins to protect themselves from browsing fish. This also makes them toxic to humans.

Sea grapes can
grow in big piles

They may also
wash ashore

quick facts
Stems about 5cm long, more common in the coral rubble area, sometimes also washed ashore

See also ...
Seaweeds in general

Links
Seaweed Mariculture by Natalie Prins from the World of Algae page on the the University of the Western Cape, South Africa website: includes the culture and uses of Caulerpa lentillifera.

Other references

Trono, G. C. Jr., 1997. Field Guide and Atlas of the Seaweed Resources of the Philippines. Bookmark, Inc., the Philippines. 306 pp.
Calumpong, H. P. & Menez, E. G., 1997. Field Guide to the Common Mangroves, Seagrasses and Algae of the Philippines. Bookmark, Inc., the Philippines. 197 pp.
Lim, S., P. Ng, L. Tan, & W. Y. Chin, 1994. Rhythm of the Sea: The Life and Times of Labrador Beach. Division of Biology, School of Science, Nanyang Technological University & Department of Zoology, the National University of Singapore. 160 pp.
Tan, Leo W. H. & Ng, Peter K. L., 1988. A Guide to Seashore Life. The Singapore Science Centre, Singapore. 160 pp. online version

a companion website to the chek jawa guidebook website©ria tan 2003 www.wildsingapore.com

a companion website to the chek jawa guidebook
website©ria tan 2003 www.wildsingapore.com