Gracilaria facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gracilaria |
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Scientific classification  |
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| (unranked): | Archaeplastida |
| Division: | Rhodophyta |
| Class: | Florideophyceae |
| Order: | Gracilariales |
| Family: | Gracilariaceae |
| Genus: | Gracilaria Greville, 1830 |
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see text |
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Gracilaria is a type of red algae (also called Rhodophyta). It is very important because it is used to make a substance called agar. Agar is used in many ways, including in food. Gracilaria is also eaten by people and different kinds of shellfish. People grow various types of Gracilaria in places like Asia, South America, Africa, and Oceania.
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Understanding Gracilaria
Scientists group living things into categories to understand them better. This is called taxonomy. Gracilaria is a genus, which is a group of closely related species. There are many different kinds of Gracilaria algae found around the world.
Where Gracilaria Lives
Gracilaria algae are found in warm ocean waters all over the world. You can also find them in cooler waters during certain times of the year. However, they cannot live in water colder than about 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit).
These algae grow in all oceans except the Arctic Ocean. The Western Pacific region is especially rich in different types of Gracilaria. People have traditionally grown Gracilaria there to get agar.
Uses of Gracilaria
Gracilaria is a popular food in many countries. It is used in Filipino, Hawaiian, Japanese, and Korean cuisine.
- In Japan, it is known as ogonori or ogo.
- In the Philippines, it is called gulaman. People use it to make gelatin desserts.
- In Jamaica, it is known as Irish moss.
- In Korea, it is called kkosiraegi.
Scientists have also found that certain parts of Gracilaria can help fight against diseases. For example, special sugars from Gracilaria might help protect against the Japanese encephalitis virus. These sugars could become important medicines in the future.
For a long time, since the 1600s, Gracilaria has been used in Japan to make a special glue called funori. This glue is made from agar.
Gracilaria in Aquariums
Gracilaria is often sold for use in home aquariums. It is a type of macroalgae, which means it is a larger kind of algae. Many plant-eating fish, like tangs, love to eat Gracilaria. It is also good for aquariums because it helps clean the water by absorbing extra nutrients. This makes it a good choice for a refugium, which is a separate tank that helps keep the main aquarium healthy.
Gracilaria in Nature
Like other living things, Gracilaria can get sick. It can be infected by a tiny parasite called Pythium porphyrae.
Interestingly, a small animal called Idotea balthica helps Gracilaria gracilis reproduce. This is the first time scientists have seen an animal helping algae reproduce.
See also
In Spanish: Gracilaria para niños
