Atomic Broccoli (Augophyllum wysorii)

Atomic Broccoli Macroalgae

Portion Size

Each order includes one healthy portion approximately 3 inches across. Natural shape and fullness will vary.

Rich red color. Golden highlights. Beauty with a purpose.

 Atomic Broccoli is an ornamental red macroalgae with dense, ruffled branches that form distinctive broccoli-like clusters. Its deep burgundy coloration takes on striking orange-gold highlights under reef lighting, adding an unusual splash of color and texture to refugiums and marine displays.

At 4th Dimension Aquatics, we propagate and harvest Atomic Broccoli in dedicated, biosecure vessels, separate from fish, corals, and live rock. Months of isolated culturing, directly supplied nutrients, and weekly water changes support clean growth. Our strict isolation process is designed to provide clean, pest-free macroalgae you can add to your reef with peace of mind.

Beyond its appearance, Atomic Broccoli absorbs nitrate and phosphate as it grows and provides shelter for copepods and other beneficial microfauna.

Benefits for Your Reef

Natural nutrient uptake: Uses nitrate and phosphate to support new growth. Periodically harvesting a portion removes those stored nutrients from your system.

Habitat for pods: Its branching structure creates protected spaces for copepods, amphipods, and other small reef organisms.

Ornamental appeal: Adds rich color, texture, and movement to macroalgae displays, refugiums, and suitable reef aquariums.

Lighting

Provide moderate to high lighting, allowing new portions to adjust gradually to stronger intensity.

White or full-spectrum lighting reveals its rich burgundy tones and subtle shimmer, while blue reef lighting can bring out vivid orange-gold highlights. Appearance varies with the light spectrum, viewing angle, and growing conditions.

Water Flow & Placement

Moderate, well-distributed flow helps keep the branches clear of debris and exposes the algae to fresh water and nutrients.

Atomic Broccoli can be gently tumbled in a refugium or secured in a protected area of the display. If kept as a stationary clump, turn it periodically so the underside receives light. Avoid placing it where it can drift into pumps or shade nearby corals.

Care & Maintenance

Maintain stable saltwater conditions and measurable nitrate and phosphate. Like other macroalgae, Atomic Broccoli needs nutrients to sustain healthy growth and may struggle in a system where either becomes depleted.

Periodically thin dense growth to improve light penetration and water movement. Remove trapped debris and any deteriorating tissue, and harvest healthy excess growth as the colony expands.

Compatibility

Suitable for refugiums and reef displays, though tangs, rabbitfish, and other herbivores may graze on it. A protected refugium is a good choice when maintaining the colony is a priority.

Inspect each portion before introducing it to your aquarium, as live macroalgae can carry hitchhikers.

Quick Care Guide

Care level: Easy with stable conditions

Lighting: Moderate to high; acclimate gradually

Flow: Moderate; gentle tumbling or circulation through the branches

Placement: Refugium or protected display area

Nutrients: Measurable nitrate and phosphate

Maintenance: Periodic thinning, debris removal, and harvesting

Each portion is a living specimen. Shape, coloration, and growth will naturally vary.