NINE BANNED SPECIES IN CALIFORNIA
There are nine species within the genus Caulerpa that are banned in the state of California. Any person or pet shop that violates the code is subject to a civil penalty of not less then $500 and not more then $10,000 for each violation.
California Fish and Game Code 2300 prohibits the sale, possession, importation, transport, transfer and release of nine species of Caulerpa which have been, or have the potential to be, highly destructive when released into non-native habitats. These are: Caulerpa taxifolia, Caulerpa racemosa (Grape Caulerpa), Caulerpa ashmeadii, Caulerpa cupressoides, Caulerpa floridana, Caulerpa mexicana, Caulerpa sertulariodes, Caulerpa scalpelliformis, and Caulerpa verticillata.
There are other restrictions on Caulerpa nationwide and in other states.Federal, State, and Local Laws
Link to the Saltwater Aquarist Page to see alternative legal species.
IDENTIFICATION:
Key to identify the banned species of Caulerpa (SeaGrant)
Nine Banned Species of Caulerpa brochure
Species of Caulerpa NOT BANNED in California
The BANNED Species:
(Click on a photo to enlarge it.)
