Gulf Coast Ecosystems

11/12/2024

We collected some Atlantic species this week including caulerpa cupressoides, halimeda opuntia, calcareous stem plants, bryothamnion triquetrum , euchema spinosum, rigid coralline clusters, checkered nerites and green lace gorgonians.

10/26/2024

We have cerith snails back in stock this week. The Gulf of Mexico is clearing up but macroalgae species will be slow to grow over the next few weeks. The high pressure over Florida is producing very high winds over South Florida which hinders any collecting of Atlantic species. Although I have limited stock, your support is appreciated to keep us afloat.

10/21/2024

Due to hurricane Helene and Milton our inventory will remain very limited until things recover in the Gulf of Mexico. I haven't been able to dive any of our offshore spots in several weeks due to high winds and poor visibility. Hopefully some of the reefs where I collect faired ok, we'll see.

Going forward I will focus on collecting Atlantic species again as soon as the winds are favorable down south. I want to thank all of our customers for their business and support over the past few weeks. - Russ

10/06/2024

Update 10/5 - Due to the approach of yet another hurricane forecasted to be in our area early next week, we're only shipping on Mon, Oct 7th. All orders received after Sun, Oct 6th will ship the following week.

Unfortunately, our inventory will remain very limited until things recover in the Gulf of Mexico and I can collect again. Thanks for your patience and support.

09/08/2024

In-Stock List Update 9/8/24

Seasonal Algae Sampler
Red Algae Sampler
Calcareous Algae Sampler
Sponge Sampler
Botryocladia
Red Gracilaria
Eucheuma Spinosum
Hypnea pannosa
Coralline Algae
Caulerpa paspaloides
Caulerpa cupressioides
Penicillus dumetosus
Udotea Sp.
Halimeda opuntia
Cymopolia barbata
Mangrove Seed Pod
Spiny Gorgonian
Tan Plume Gorgonian
Tan Candelabra Gorgonian
Green Lace Gorgonian
Grooved-Bladed Gorgonian
Red Tree Sponge
Elephant Ear Sponge
Yellow Ball Sponge
Purple Photosynthetic Sponge
Checkered Nerite Snail

09/08/2024

We collected a few species this week. Caulerpa cupressoides, halimeda opuntia, shaving brush, mermaid's fan, c. barbata coralline clusters and nerite snails.

08/26/2024

We have Caulerpa paspaloides back in stock this week.

08/05/2024

Update 8/5 - Due to potential shipping delays associated with tropical storm Debby, 2nd Day Air and Florida orders will ship on Tues 8/6. All UPS ground shipments will ship next week on 8/12.

07/16/2024

Conditions this summer are really warm. It looks like a repeat of the heat wave last year although we've had more rain to cool things off a bit. Water temperatures are between 87-89 in both the Gulf and the FL Keys.

Some macroalgae species are becoming hard to find right now so our stock will be limited until the Fall season. I really appreciate everyone's support this year during this unusually hot summer.

Shipments have been arriving in good condition despite the high temps because of the addition of multiple gel packs in every order. Keep in mind that we can always have an order held at a UPS location for pickup to reduce the heat stress during shipment.

06/26/2024

Shipping Update: Due to the holiday on Thurs, July 4th we'll only be shipping orders on Mon, July 1st. Orders placed after Sunday, June 30th will ship the following week.

06/24/2024

Check out the updated version of our free guide at www.marineplantbook.com More species will be added soon.

An online guide to the identification and care of marine plants and macroalgae in the aquarium.

06/15/2024

I was able to restock some Gulf of Mexico macroalgae species this week. Updated stock list as of 6/15

Seasonal Sampler, Red sampler, Caulerpa Sampler, Calcareous Sampler, Botryocladia, Cymopolia barbata, Caulerpa racemosa, Caulerpa cupressiodes, Shaving Brush, Halimeda opuntia, Eucheuma spinosum, Halymenia, Portieria, Gracilaria and Nemastoma.

05/12/2024

Please Note: We will be on vacation on 5/18 - 5/26. There is no shipping the week of 5/20 - 5/22. Orders placed after 10am on Tues, May 14th will ship beginning on 5/27.

05/12/2024

We added a few items to the website this week. They include Caulerpa racemosa, portieria, c. barbata, calcareous stem plants and others.

04/25/2024

We have red grape (botryocladia) in stock this week.

01/22/2024

Tues, Jan 23rd is the last shipping day of the month.

We'll be temporarily closed for maintenance beginning on Monday, January 29th through Friday, February 2nd.

There will be no shipping during this time and our inventory will be limited as we drain, clean and refill all the tanks in the facility.

01/05/2024

I collected a few things from the Atlantic this week including mixed red macroalgae species, cladophora prolifera, calcareous stem plants, shaving brush, pine cone, mermaid fans, halimeda opuntia, Astrea snails and nerite snails. Check out the website for updates. live-plants.com

01/01/2024

I was finally able to get offshore and dive the Gulf today after weeks of rough seas. The visibility was poor, but I was able to collect some nice gorgonians, assorted sponge and sargassum. Check the website for our current in stock items.