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FAQs about Green Macro-Algae Identification 2 Related Articles:
Embracing Biodiversity, Green
Algae By Mark E. Evans, Green Algae, Green
Algae 2, Avoiding
Algae Problems in Marine System,
Algae Control, Marine
Maintenance, Nutrient Control and Export,
Marine Scavengers, Snails,
Hermit Crabs,
Mithrax/Emerald
Green Crabs, Sea Urchins, Blennies,
Algae Filters, Ctenochaetus/Bristle
Mouth Tangs, Zebrasoma/Sailfin Tangs, Skimmers,
Skimmer Selection, Marine
Algae, Coralline
Algae, Green Algae, Brown
Algae, Blue-Green
"Algae"/(Cyanobacteria), Diatoms,
Brown Algae,
Related FAQs: Green
Macro-Algae ID 1, Caulerpas, Green
Macro-Algae 1, Green
Macro-Algae 2, Green Macro-Algae 3, Green
Macro-Algae 4, Chlorophyte Behavior,
Chlorophyte Compatibility/Control,
Chlorophyte Selection,
Chlorophyte Systems,
Chlorophyte Nutrition,
Chlorophyte
Disease, Chlorophyte Reproduction/Propagation,
Marine Algae ID 1, Marine
Algae ID 2, Marine Algae Control FAQs II,
Marine Algaecide Use, Nutrient
Limitation, Marine Algae Eaters, Culturing
Macro-Algae; Controlling: BGA/Cyano,
Red/Encrusting Algae, Green
Algae, Brown/Diatom Algae,
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Green Thing -
Coral? Algae? Alien Life Form? Algae: Dictyosphaeria sp.- 4/2/08
<Hi Ben>
This thing...
<Called love?>
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fyngyrz/2381193895/
<Pretty!>
...at about 2" across, represents a mystery in our salt water aquarium.
It looks, by color anyway, to be some kind of algae.
<Right you are.>
But none of the many algae-eating invert varieties in the tank will
touch it. None of the crabs, none of the snail types (five)... and none
of the fish will touch it, either. They act with this the way they do
with the pulsing xenia, which is to say, they ignore it.
<That’s pretty common when it comes to the less “leafy” varieties of
alga.>
Plus, it has grown very slowly;
<Good. Your system must not be too nutrient loaded.>
this 2-inch individual is the result of almost a year of growth. No
spreading out, just slowly enlarging. No other individuals like this
anywhere else in the tank. We assume the progenitor came in on the live
rock, of which there is about 75 lbs in the tank.
It's not bothering anything, and frankly, I think it's kind of
attractive
<Me too!>
... so this is far from an emergency, but I would like to know what it
is.
So. Anyone know?
<Yep, it’s a green algae composed of closely arranged cells/bubbles
called Dictyosphaeria, likely either D. cavernosa or D. versluysii. It’s
also commonly called “bubble weed”. At two inches across, it may be too
early to tell which species it is. Apparently, D. cavernosa starts off
rounded and cushiony like yours, but as the mass grows larger the cells
rupture, collapse and form thinner cup-like, convoluted structures. D.
versluysii, on the other hand, stays intact and cushiony. Both can be
that bright grass green color. Of the two species, you’d rather have D.
versluysii in your system because it’s less invasive. Probably has
something to do with D. cavernosa’s collapsing of cells. In bubble
algae, the cells contain reproductive matter than once released can
allow the algae to spread. It’s up to you to decide whether to keep it.
Personally, I think it’s pretty and would be inclined to leave it since
it’s slow growing and not causing problems. If, however, you notice the
cells starting to collapse, I’d get it out of there. Either way, if you
do decide to remove it, just try to pry off the mass without rupturing
the cells. If you can’t remove the rock it’s on from the tank to do
this, I’d have a siphon nearby to vacuum as your removing. For now, I’d
just keep an eye on it and enjoy! Please see the following links for
photos and more information:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/greenalg.htm
http://www.hawaii.edu/reefalgae/invasive_algae/chloro/dictyosphaeria_versluysii.htm
http://www.hawaii.edu/reefalgae/invasive_algae/chloro/dictyosphaeria_cavernosa.htm
http://www.algaebase.org/search/species/detail/?species_id=3723
http://www.algaebase.org/search/species/detail/?species_id=3722 >
Thanks to the WWM crew!
--Ben
<You’re welcome! Take care, -Lynn> |
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Grasses... poor stocking,
Chlorophyte issues, sm. SW sys. period 03/11/2008
Hi Crew,
I have been reading your site now for maybe 2 months and found it
invaluable for a newbie starting a new hobby. I have purchased an Orca
TL450 58 litre (12 gal) reef tank and put approx 8-10 kg of live cured
rock in. I also purchased a 400 LPH powerhead and a refractometer..
Ok, here goes (deep breath)
The items I have purchased for my "reef" consists of 2 original
Percula's (clowns!) 1 blue Seastar,
<...>
1 rose anemone (I think),
<... needs more room than this...>
1 cleaner shrimp, 3 red legged hermit crabs and? a few bunches of red and
green bubble Caulerpa and some green "fern" Caulerpa. The tank has been
set up for approx 10-12 weeks and has plenty of life which has come in
on the rock such as 1 small crab, about a dozen shoots of neomeris, 4
bristleworm (1 large), a couple of small striped brittle stars (I think?
cream colour with dark bands), various tube worms that shoot webs to
feed and Featherdusters and many small clusters or polyps (yellow under
the moon lights) and "grass".
This is where my problem lies, the back wall and uppermost regions of
the tank have a? good covering of this grass like growth and due to the
poorly designed skimmer built in to these tanks, when turned?up it
creates many microbubbles which settle on the grass and turn into BGA
over a few days. I have siphoned off the BGA but it still tries to
regrow so I will invest in an extra powerhead to try some more flow in
the top of the tank. I have included a few (low kb!) piccys as I wish to
verify whether the grass is worth keeping or should be toothbrushed away
as a pets. Also if you can identify any of the life I would be grateful.
The top grass and the grass1 and grass2?are also different, the bottom
one seems more wiry.
<... likely Derbesia and Bryopsis species... your photos are too blurry
to make out much more...>
I don't have a full test kit yet and this is my next acquisition, I have
a red sea ph / Alk / buff kit although I don't use the buff,
<I would not do so in this small volume>
I use tropic Marin triple buffer, ocean fish salt (prodac), salinity
1023,
<... too low>
temp 26/78, ph is circa 8.2 to 8.3, Alk normal 1.7 to 2.8 (more like 2)
LFS test confirm Nitrates, nitrite all negligible readings. Every thing
is growing and thriving including pink algae. BTW you are welcome to use
my pics in any way required.
Whew! sorry for the amount of info in there.
<Use the Net, the indices, search tool on WWM (where you found out how
to write us), with the genera names listed above... and further on, re
the set-up and maintenance of small marine systems... You need a bit of
education re. Bob Fenner> |
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The Green Blob, SW alg. ID
-02/25/08
Hello,
<Hi, SH, Mike I with you today>
I saw the most disgusting looking thing in my aquarium a few days ago. I had
taken a few pieces of rock out of my aquarium to rearrange them. On one I saw
something I have no idea how to do a search for, so hope you can help.
<Fingers crossed!>
It was round in shape, approximately 1 inch wide. It was a deep green color. The
color was so deep green, it look greenish-black. There was two smaller ones
beside it, so assume it was spreading.(?)
I plucked the largest off, to get a better look. As I was rubbing it in my
fingers to test texture, it burst, and squirted fluid all over my non-aquarium
loving husband. I will refrain from repeating his words at that. <grin>
<I thank you for the sake of the innocent ears on WWM!>
The membrane remained in my hands. I took off my gloves then, so I could fell
the membrane better, and it was rather tough. I then removed the two smallest
blobs, and took out all of my rock to check them. That was not any fun!
Especially working with my husband who complained the whole time.
Anyway a long story short. I have no pics. I burst them too soon. There are no
more in the tank, so far.
I once posted stock, but forgot one. So, in a 75g I have 1 Brittle Star, 1 False
Percula, 1 Cowry, 3 large Turbo Snails. A few Astrea, and Nassarius Snails, a
couple of Hermit Crabs, 2 smalls frags. So, my tank has a very light bio-load.
After a year in this hobby, no one can claim I jumped in too fast. I have a
Euro-Reef skimmer, and I use socks as well.
Do you have any ideas what the round, dark green, fluid filled things were?
I thank you, SH
<Well, they sound like the could be Valonia, a green algae. A search using that
name will bring you lots of information but to start you off, there's a few
pictures and questions here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/grnalgfaqs2.htm
If that's not the culprit, then next time take a pic, or you could try a more
detailed description. Hope that helps. Mike I>
Re: The Green Blob.. ie,
Algae ID 2/27/08
Mike, You are an absolute genius!
<I told BobF so!><<Heeee! We'll double all's pay... RMF>>
It is Valonia. Thank you for ID'ing that for me, so now I can do my research. SH
<Thanks for the thanks, SH. You're most welcome. Mike I>
Algae ID 2/4/08
Hi,
<Hello Chris>
It's been a long time since I've had to ask any questions, but I'm stuck
(again) with an algae problem. I must admit, that I've let slip my upkeep of my
reef tank, but even so, it's state is not that critical. I do however have a
strange algae that I am not able to identify. I was always convinced that it was
Bryopsis, as nothing touched it, not a snail, a fish.....nothing! Even though my
test kits say zero for Nitrates and Phosphates (I run RO water, carbon and
phosphate absorber all the time) I still get this one type of algae to grow. I
did a massive cleaning last night, so I forgot to take a photo, but I'll try and
explain the algae. The color is dark green, and grows as short 1 inch long
spikes forming a brush. In fact, if one moves, it has a silvery sheen to it. The
algae grows in small clumps, is fairly hard or rigid, and can be removed fairly
easily from the rocks. My thoughts are that it might also be Cladophora, but I
don't know. What algae are you aware of that are short, hard, hard and form
small tufts?
<I'm betting that this is Bryopsis pennata. See/read here.
http://www.hawaii.edu/reefalgae/invasive_algae/chloro/bryopsis_pennata.htm James
(Salty Dog)>
Cheers
Chris
Green alg ID,
SW 2/3/08
Hello all... Just a quick question. I have this piece of live rock I
purchased some time ago, and what started out as a bump has grown into
what is on the attached photo. What is this marine plant called?
<Isn't a plant, but the pic is so poor...>
It has no bulbs or anything, just oval shaped leaves and bumps on the
stems. The camera is not the best, but hopefully you can make out the
plant. Thank you in advance. Love the site. Ken.
<A better image please. Bob Fenner> |
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Neon green
worm-like things: Neomeris annulata – 2/2/08
Greetings Guys and Gals!
<Hello, Wes!>
It seems like it's been forever since I've had to write you, though, in
reality it was just five months ago.
<Welcome back!>
Just an update (in case you want it), I have a 125g reef tank with a
pretty light fish load and several corals that are really growing (the
xenia seems to multiply like rabbits and the mushrooms aren't far
behind).
<Oh yes, those can take off on you if you’re not careful! A couple of
years ago I decided I wanted some blue mushrooms. Hmmmmm, now I have
them everywhere!>
Everything is going very well - slight outbreak of hair algae a couple
of months ago that seems to now be receding with reduced feeding and
phosphate control.
<Excellent!>
Anyway, I've had most of the live rock in the tank for over a year, I
added some pieces about two months ago, but they went through six weeks
of quarantine sitting on PVC legs to try and make sure they didn't carry
any harmful critters in with them.
<Oh, you are good!>
Over about the past 45 days, I've noticed these neon green worm-like
things sprouting up out of the live rock near the green star polyps. At
first, I just thought they were related to the polyps, but, upon closer
inspection, they're clearly not. They appear to be at least semi-rigid
(they don't move with water flow as the star polyps do) and they seem to
be getting larger.
I've looked on the site and haven't found anything that resembles them.
Can you tell me what they are? Harmful, beneficial or neutral?
<Mmmmmm, neutral. What you have is Neomeris annulata, a beautiful,
harmless, calcium loving macroalgae. Please see WWM for more information
regarding, starting here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/greenalg.htm,
and/or enter "Neomeris annulata" in our search engine here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/WWMAdminSubWebIndex/question_page.htm >
Thanks -
Wes
<You’re very welcome! Take care. –Lynn> |
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Algae ID 12/23/07
Hi guys, I sent this last week but didn't get a response, I thought
maybe you didn't get it so I thought I'd send it again, sorry if it's a
duplicate!
<Not a problem>
Hello fish gurus!
<Hello Elise>
I'm looking for some help identifying this growth in my 150 gallon live
rock set-up. It is slow growing, but starting to get out of control. I
have a Blue Tang (Dori) and a Sailfin Tang who don't touch it. I was
thinking about trying an Emerald Crab, though I have a couple of Skunk
Cleaner Shrimp I wouldn't like to lose. Any suggestions?
<Looks much like Bryopsis pennata. I think a Tuxedo Urchin would do the
trick here.>
I am also curious about the yellow stuff growing. It is very slow
growing, and is just in this one spot.
I'm thinking some kind of sponge?
<Tis a type of sponge.>
Thanks in advance,
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Elise |
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Algae
Identification... Nutrient control 12/06/2007
Bob, good morning!
<Hi Phil, Mich helping out the big bad Bobster today.>
I am having trouble identifying some very slow growing, but becoming
problem algae in my reef tank.
<Well, at least it's growing slowly for you.>
Due to the nature of the question I am having a very hard time searching
for it. I tried
some algae identification web sites and the closest I came is
Cladophoropsis sp., but I am unsure based on the limited pictures
posted.
<My guess would have been either Bryopsis or Cladophora. Often it is
challenging to determine which algae is which even under microscopic
examination.>
This algae is VERY hard to remove physically, it seems to be growing out
of the live rock pulling on it with strength just breaks it off at the
bottom leaving a stub of algae remaining. It’s hard like grass outside,
dark green, thin strands. I have attached a picture of a close-up of one
bunch growing. The reason for the question is, with proper
identification, I can find something to graze on it I hope.
<Yeah... good luck with that... Some suggestions offered by J. Sprung
include tangs and rabbitfish (For tanks of at least 75 gallons), Diadema
and tuxedo urchins, and Mithraculus crab... Each presents its’ own set
of problems. A better way is to control you nutrients, increase your
water changes and adding a refugium with a beneficial macroalgae such as
Chaetomorpha. More here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/nutrientcontrol.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/algaeconMar.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/avoidingalgaeproblesm.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/scottsh2ochgart.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/refugium.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/maralgae.htm
So far, the usual algae crews don't have a taste for it.
<A very common problem for many similar algae.>
Thanks a ton Bob!
<Welcome a ton Phil! Mich>
Phil |
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Bubble Algae… Boergesenia
forbesii 11/25/2007
Hello Crew!
<Hi Dave! Mich with you tonight.>
I had already sent this email a few minutes ago but decided to resend it
with a photo this time. Hope this doesn’t lead to any confusion.
<Nope! Think I grabbed both.>
I set up a 120-gallon tank 1 month ago, and have placed 3 small fish and
4 corals from a pre-existing nano reef that I took down. The rock had
been cycled for nearly 4 months in 2 "Brute" garbage cans because I had
to exchange the 120 a couple times. I did not use any of the rock from
my nano, though I ultimately plan to add it.
Getting to the point, 3 of the rocks have already broken out in a bad
case of green bubble algae...didn't take long, did it?
<Nope!>
It doesn’t seem like Valonia, but lighter colored and more oblong in
shape.
<Is a type of bubble algae, likely Boergesenia forbesii. I would remove
the rocks from the system, remove the bubble algae manually and then
rinse the rock well with system water outside of the tank.
More here:
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-02/hcj/feature/index.php >
Now I know that a new tank will continue to have various algae species
go through cycles for several months, and I have read everything on the
site about bubble algae, but not sure if there is something I should do.
<Yes, see above.>
Should I remove these 3 rocks while I still might have a chance at
eliminating these algae?
<Yes, I would even better if you can keep them outside of the system
till you see how well the manually removal worked.>
Will it likely die back with time?
<Mmm, I would not chance it.>
I tested my water and Nitrates and Phosphates are zero, which is what I
expected with so little livestock.
<Yes, but this doesn’t mean they aren't present. The excess nutrients
may be utilize by such nuisance algae as it is produced and thus not
detectable.>
I'm kind of bummed since I have been really going slowly, with a lot of
planning to do this system right, and I already have this nuisance.
<Don't let this discourage you. Some nuisance algae is a normal part of
the cycle. Continued patience will be rewarded. Take it slow.>
Any advice would be appreciated.
<Hope this helps.>
Thanks,
<Welcome, Mich>
Dave |
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What is this stuff,
some sort of macro algae?
Algae Control 9/24/07
Hello Fine Folk,
<Hello Russell>
I have a 110g mixed reef system full of live rock and coral. Only one
little fish at this point...Royal Gramma. I bought a complete system
from someone else and in the intervening two month I have had a prolific
outbreak of this stuff ( see attached picture) growing up out of the
live rock through many of my corals. It is really taking over and am
concerned it is going hurt the corals. Is it some sort of macro algae?
How do I get rid of it?
<Yes, it is a type of macro, possibly a Caulerpa specie. It could hurt
the corals by blocking needed light required by them. As far as control,
read here and linked files above.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/algaeconMar.htm
James (Salty Dog)>
Russell Furst |
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Mmm, more likely a Bryopsis sp. RMF |
Chaetomorpha Identification
9/11/07
Hi team,
<Hi Dave, Mich here.>
I'm in the process of installing a 200l sump/refugium to support my 700l display
tank. I live in New Zealand, which doesn't allow for the import of any foreign
vegetation.
<Ahh, yes, and similar issues with livestock in Australia as well I am
learning.>
I would like to harvest Chaetomorpha in the refugium.
<A good decision I think.>
This macro algae grows freely throughout shore areas of NZ and so I thought I'd
don my boots and visit a non-reserve area and bring home a fistful in a plastic
bag.
<Sounds good as long as it's legal.>
I've seen many pictures on-line but have never seen the algae first hand as it
were. The LFS's don't stock such stuff and nor does any of the on-line
communities that I've made enquiries with. So my question is how can I make a
positive ID on any algae that I collect?
<Most all that I have ever seen is kind of distinctive in look and in texture.
It typically looks and feels a little like a Brillo pad. You can see a picture I
took of some in my tank here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/greenalg.htm
I'm not sure the number of species but presumably there could be variations. You
can always take a picture and send it in. Someone, will gladly give you an
opinion!>
Thanks in advance
<Welcome! Mich>
Dave
Identification...Neomeris
annulata 9/6/07
Greetings Crew
<Hello again Lynn, Mich here.>
I have attached another picture of some type of plant that I am unable
to identify. They seem to be growing independently of each other.
<Is Neomeris annulata, which usually doesn't grow out of control. If you
enjoy it keep it, if not it can be manually removed. You can see more
like it here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/greenalg.htm >
Thank you
<Welcome!>
Lynn Vangsnes
<Michelle Lemech> |
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What's This... Two of the same pics
of hair alga 8/21/07
<Greetings, Mich here.>
I found a lot of these living in my display tank. Are they copepods?
<Mmm, don't know. I think you inadvertently attached two of the same
pic, both of algae. If you resent, hopefully we can ID.>
Also what type of plant is this growing on my live rock?
<Mmm, might be Cladophora, a type of green hair algae. If it were
me/mine I would remove it before it gained a foothold.
Cheers,
Mich> |
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Marine
Macro-Algae Identification Help 8/16/07
Hi WWM Crew,
<Nicole>
I hope you can help me identify the algae growing in my nano reef. I had
thought I saw a picture somewhere on the wwm site but tried to find it
again and couldn't. I like it, but it grows fast so I keep hand removing
it so it doesn't take over and would really rather find something that
can live comfortable in my 12 gal. JBJ nano (original line from when
they first came out!) with my 3 clown gobies (2 black, 1 green). I love
watching the fish swim in and out of it! If more pictures would help,
let me know. I didn't want the message to be too big. Any help in
identifying this species would be most appreciated!
Nicole S.
(p.s. if interested you can see some of my tanks at www.flickr.com/photos/runesrule)
<Thanks for this. This looks like a species of Derbesia... but might be
a Bryopsis... or another Green... some folks consider these "weeds"...
but if kept not-too-out-of control... Bob Fenner> |
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Re: Marine
Macro-Algae Identification Help – 08/17/07
Thanks for the reply. Here are some better pictures with more
detail. I don't really think Derbesia is the right species. Bryopsis is
much closer I think, but still didn't find any species with the mini
shaving brush branch look. Thanks again! Nicole
<... this looks much more like Caulerpa paspaloides in the closer-up
views. BobF> |
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Some odd hair algae ID? 5/10/07
Heya people!
<Hi there Mark1>
I'd like your thoughts on this algae I've got growing in my 15g
setup. I've had this algae growing since I first set up my reef tank 2
years ago doesn't seem to be very fast in spreading, although seems to
regrow very rapidly when ripped out.
<Yes, I too have had some of this algae in my tank.>
Its very tough and hard to rip out, and feels very strong.
<Yes.>
Any ideas on what kind of algae this might me?
<Is a green hair algae, perhaps Cladophora or Bryopsis.>
And how I could get rid of it perhaps?
<Manual remove is a good place to start, perhaps even chiseling off some
of the rock, keeping water quality high, much more here and the related
links in blue:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/algaeconMar.htm >
It’s starting to get too close to comfort to my zoanthid colony on the
same rock.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Best regards, Mark Forsling
<A pleasure to assist! Mich> |
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Saltwater Question, grn alg. ID 4/8/07
Hey Wet Web Crew,
<Kristin>
I have a question regarding something that has just "popped up" in our
tank. We have a 125 gallon saltwater tank, and this green algae looking
plant started growing at an enormous rate. It has a round structure
with "blebs" that branch out, kind of reminds me of melted
wax. Currently there are two on the same rock, one is about the size of
an egg and the other the size of a golf ball. I have looked all over,
but have not found anything that looks like this. Is this something
that we should take out or leave alone?
<Likely want to address... along with the evident BGA (the red mat.)...
as very likely a matter of excess nutrient... secondarily a lack of
competition, predation...>
I have embedded the image so you do not have to download,
<Better to attach...>
however if that does not work, there is an attached file as
well. Thanks!
Kristin
<Do take a look on the Net re the genera Derbesia and Bryopsis... and
onto WWM re Marine Algae, Control... can be controlled indirectly... as
you will see.
http://wetwebmedia.com/algaeconMar.htm
and the linked files above...
Bob Fenner> |
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Algae ID 3/19/07
I have a question about this photo (the one you saved). The
algae that he is asking about, the little green tuft on the top
left. I have this in my tank also. I know it's not a terribly fast
grower, or at least mine isn't. It feels like Chaetomorpha, almost
looks like it too except that is more straight than curly. It
doesn't grow terribly long either. Kind of grows in a cushion. Can
see some off to the right in this picture from my tank (the color's
funky because it's under actinics).
<Mmm, this looks like Bryopsis to me... Cladophora is more "bushy",
straight, bigger, branched...
http://images.google.com/images?q=cladophora&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-Address&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7PCTA&um=1&sa=N&tab=wi>
When I was looking on WWM I found this that looks nearly
identical, though the picture is a little fuzzy. In this photo it is
ID'd as Bryopsis. I found another picture... the next one down where
a similar looking algae is ID'd as Cladophora. Are both of these
ID'd correctly? How do you differentiate between the two?
<URL please...>
Bryopsis, a worldwide genus of Greens that appear filamentous to spiky
in aquariums... light to dark green, generally feather-like thalli.
Some Hermit Crabs, Blennies, Zebrasoma and Ctenochaetus Tangs may eat
your type... otherwise, scrubbing, competitive algae filtration are
recommended.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/greenalg.htm
Algae ID-
These are showing up in patches on my liverock. I am running
the ecosystem and it has been up since June, using Caulerpa as the
main macro. Any clue what it is? <It looks like Cladophora
sp. macroalgae. Looks nice, if it starts getting out of control,
just about any surgeonfish or urchin should readily chow down on it.
-Kevin>
Thanks!
Adam
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/maralgid.htm
<BobF> |
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Chaetomorpha 12/15/06
I have two different types of Chaetomorpha growing in my 29-gallon refugium:
1. The first type is the typical "spaghetti algae" pictured on most
websites. It is very curly, and not too dense, much like a Brillo pad for
cleaning dishes. The individual strands are quite thick, and it grows in a ball
which sits low in the water (barely any of it floats above the water, and if you
take it out of water, it collapses and lays flat).
2. The other type is very dense and the strands are much finer & straighter. It
grows in a floating mat, maybe 2.5" thick. This type floats higher in the
water, and some of it grows straight up like grass.
New growth projects straight out of the mat in all directions, about 1/2"
long. The new growth on the top side of the mat is out of the water, and looks
like grass. If you take it one out of water, it retains it's shape. The LFS
where I got it tells me this Chaeto grows just as well in freshwater as
saltwater. They have it growing in both types of water at the store, and have
switched it back and forth with good results.
Is the second type really Chaetomorpha? I can't find any pictures on the web
that look like it.
<Your second type may be Cladophora, can't say for sure without a pic.
It may also be Gracilaria, again, need a pic.>
Is it okay to have both growing in the same refugium, or will they compete with
each other resulting in reduced growth? Should I get rid of the second type?
<Chaeto does thrive on nitrogen and phosphorous and if the food supply dwindles,
so will the Chaeto. Having the two types together should pose no problems. It is
best to thin out on a regular basis.
If the outer edges begin turning brown, it is a sign that the needed nutrients
are absent or your lighting is insufficient for growth.>
Thank you,
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Steve in Denver
Re: Different Species of Chaetomorpha 12/18/06
I ran Cladophora through Google Image. I have determined that my second
species of algae is, without a doubt, Cladophora columbiana. Is this a
beneficial species to have in my refugium, along with Chaetomorpha?
<Yes it is. Like Chaeto, the Cladophora thrives on nitrogen and phosphorous.
James (Salty Dog)>
To-may-to or to-mott-o ... Chaetomorpha pronunciation 6/10/06
Hey wet-guys and gals,
<Eric>
Got a simple question for ya. How do you correctly pronounce "Chaetomorpha?"
<"Key-toe-morph-ah">
Thanks,
Eric
<Bob Fenner>
Algae ID 6/21/03
This is a picture of what I believe to be some form of macro algae. Can
you tell me what kind it is and if it would be safe to use in a refugium.
Thanks
<Cheers, Shawn... wish I could help you with it, mate... but the pics
sent are severely out of focus. Rather a blue. Perhaps I could trouble you
to take a portion out of water and get a clear shot of it against a white
towel?> |
Algae ID 6/21/03
I think these pics will be better...
Indeed... a Caulerpa species... prolifera type. Can be a boon or a scourge
depending on how well it is managed. Too precarious and dangerous en masse
for most aquarists (noxious exudations) but rather handsome and good for
nutrient export if you are very diligent in keeping and harvesting it
(thin fronds... never cut them). Much is written in the WWM archives about
Caulerpa, refugiums, etc. Especially seek the FAQs. Bets regards,
Anthony> |
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Little Green Bubble Things...
Hi guys and dolls
<Scott F. your guy today!>
We have a funky little situation.
<As in ..."Play that Funky Music, White Boy..." or...?>
I looked at our 55 gallon reef today and noticed on a flat space on one of the
LR there are about 8 little olive greenish bubble looking things. I have no idea
what they are.
We have a hammer coral, leather coral, a white band cleaner shrimp, pulsing
xenia, and star polyp . That's it. Running around them are what look like
copepods or some other little tiny bug like creature. Any ideas what these
"green thingies" might be??? Thanks A lot. Have a wonderful day!!!
Christy
<Well, Christy, I'd need a picture to be absolutely sure...But I'll bet even
money that what you're seeing is some sort of "bubble algae", probably
of the genus Valonia...They come in a variety of tones, colors, and sizes, but
are often a transparent greenish color...Could be something else (like eggs from
the shrimp- but I doubt it.) entirely, of course- but that's my guess. Still
funky, though! Regards, Scott F.>
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