Halymenia durvillei – ‘Dragon's Breath’ red algae

Halymenia durvillei – “Dragon's Breath” Red Macroalgae

Halymenia durvillei, commonly known in the marine aquarium hobby as Dragon's Breath, is an exceptionally attractive red macroalga. It develops highly branched, delicate fronds with intense red, burgundy or reddish-orange coloration. Its finely divided tips gently move with the water current, creating a flame-like appearance that gives this algae its popular “Dragon's Breath” name.

It is an excellent choice for both reef aquariums and refugiums. Unlike many macroalgae grown primarily for nutrient export, Halymenia is also highly valued for its ornamental appearance and can become a beautiful natural feature among corals and live rock.

During growth, Halymenia absorbs nutrients from the water, including nitrogen and phosphorus compounds, and can therefore contribute to the biological removal of excess nutrients from the aquarium.

Care requirements

Lighting: Moderate
Moderate lighting is recommended, approximately 100–150 PAR. When properly acclimated, the algae may also tolerate higher light intensities.

Water flow: Moderate to strong
Good water movement helps keep the fronds clean and ensures a constant supply of nutrients. The algae should gently sway in the current rather than being exposed to an extremely strong, direct jet of water.

Care level: Easy / Moderate

Growth rate: Moderate

Placement: Display aquarium or refugium

Why keep Dragon's Breath?

Halymenia durvillei is not only an attractive ornamental macroalga. As it grows, it absorbs nutrients from the aquarium water, can provide shelter for small reef organisms and adds additional biological diversity to the system.

Please note that tangs, rabbitfish and other herbivorous marine fish may readily eat this macroalgae, so it may not persist for long in aquariums containing large or particularly active herbivores.

Basic information

• Scientific name: Halymenia durvillei

• Common name: Dragon's Breath

• Group: Red macroalgae – Rhodophyta

• Family: Halymeniaceae

• Colour: Red, burgundy, reddish-orange

• Lighting: Moderate

• Water flow: Moderate–strong

• Growth rate: Moderate

• Suitable for: Reef aquariums, refugiums, ornamental macroalgae displays

Each specimen is a living organism, therefore its exact shape, size and colour intensity may vary slightly from the photographs.