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Caulerpa taxifolia, is known for its astounding qualities, such as the fact that is does not wither, is resistant to cool water and is a vibrant green color. Because of all these qualities it was sought out by the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco. Two years after the museum acquired cuttings, the alga was discovered living in the Mediterranean, not far from the museum. Since its escape in the early 1980’s the species has made its way to California. While this species may appear beautiful, it is a highly toxic species that suffocates other vegetation leaving herbivores starved since they cannot eat the highly toxic alga that has taken over the native vegetation. This alga is poisonous to sea life because it releases toxins that demolish tiny marine organisms which are the base of the marine life food chain. This adaptive species takes over an area, smothering everything its path and preventing virtually every marine species, plant, animal and competing algae from eating their native regimen.
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