Chara vulgaris Linnaeus 1753

Common stonewort

Chara vulgaris is a green algae of the genus Chara. It is an advanced form of algae often mistaken for a plant. Chara stabilizes bottom sediments, provides food for waterfowl and cover for fish. Chara also supports insects and other small aquatic animals, which are important foods for trout, bluegills, small mouth bass, and largemouth bass.

Submitted by: Benedetta Spelta

GPS: 38.3836136, -1.0582480

Geographical region: Southern Europe
Drainage Basin: Mediterranean Sea
River catchment
Water body type: River
Water body name: Vinalopó
Water body part
Water body course: Middle course
Water body: tributary of
Tributary name

Type locality: Cosmopolit. Type locality is Europe.
Conservation status/IUCN Red List: Least Concern (LC)
Listed in CITES: No

Water Chemistry

Water information

Water type: Fresh water
Water color: Clear water
Water transparency: High
Concentration of sediments: Low
Water temperature: 24 °C
Water flow/curent: None

Chemical parameters

pH
Conductivity
GH
KH
Dissolved Oxygen

Phytology

Plant form

Submersed

Plant type

Stem

Plant size

10-50 cm

Plant growth rate

Plant light demand

Medium

CO2

Medium

Aquarium equipment

Although this genus is very adaptable in nature, its cultivation in the aquarium is not easy, especially if it is moved from its natural environment to the tank, where all environmental growth parameters are changed. And often the plant reacts with a dissolution of the tissues.

Plant care

In Nature this species is found in a large spectre of habitats, ponds, puddles, ditches, rivers, littoral pools and periodical waters. Very few finds are from lakes.

Water care

It is found both in soft and alkaline water.