Sea Vegetables: Red Seaweed, Gracilaria tikvahiae
This seaweed is highly variable in color and form. It is a delicate, branching red seaweed, which grows free or attached. It grows in depths of approx. 10 m, but most commonly less than 1 m (Littler et al. 2008. Submersed Plants of the Indian River Lagoon). It is a popular aquaculture species and is used primarily for the agar market and is gaining popularity for human consumption. Gracilaria makes for a great addition to soups, salads, ceviche and smoothies. It is used in a popular Caribbean drink known as seamoss or Irish moss drink.
![Close up of Gracilaria being harvested](/hboi/images/sv-6.jpg)
![Gracilaria in the IMTA tank](/hboi/images/sv-7.jpg)
Gracilaria in the IMTA tank
![Stocking Gracilaria in the IMTA tank](/hboi/images/sv-8.jpg)
Stocking Gracilaria in the IMTA tank
![Close up of Gracilaria, red seaweed](/hboi/images/sv-9.jpg)
Close up of Gracilaria, red seaweed
![HBOI ocean fish](/hboi/about/images/under-links.jpg)