Gracilaria coronopifolia

Gracilaria coronopifolia is endemic to Hawaii and typically occurs close to the shore in tidepools or in the first four meters of the subtidal zone,^[4] attached to limestone or other hard surfaces. It is considered one of the most common algae found in the intertidal zone in the Hawaiian islands.^[3]

Due to the abundance of gracilaria coronopifolia, it has been commonly used for human consumption in Hawai'i.^[5] Outside of Hawai'i, countries like: Japan, Korea, and the Philippines^[6] also enjoy gracilaria coronopifolia for consumption, despite it not occurring naturally in these countries. Gracilaria coronopifolia is typically eaten as a salad or pickled as a side dish. It is described to have a crispy texture and features a color change to green once cooked.^[7] Gracilaria coronopifolia is considered to be a "superfood" due to its abundance of potassium, calcium, magnesium and other beneficial vitamins and minerals.^[7]

Gracilaria coronopifolia is also commonly used in aquarium fish food.^[7]