FAQs on Marine Algae Identification
3
Related Articles: 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: FAQ ID Visual
Guide, Marine
Algae ID 1, Marine Algae ID 2,
Marine Algae ID 4, Marine Algae ID 5, Marine Algae ID 6, Marine Algae ID 7, Marine Algae ID 8, Marine Algae ID 9, Marine Algae ID 10, Marine Algae ID 11, Marine Algae ID 12, Marine Algae ID 13, Marine Algae ID 14, Marine Algae ID 15, Marine Algae ID 16, Marine Algae ID 17, Marine Algae ID 18, Marine Algae ID 19, Marine Algae ID 20, Marine Algae ID 21, Marine Algae ID 22, Marine Algae ID 23, Marine Algae ID 24, Marine Algae ID, 25, Marine Algae ID, 25, Marine Algae ID, 25, SW Algae ID 26, SW Algae ID 27, SW Algae ID 29, SW Algae ID 30, SW Algae ID 31, SW Algae ID 32, SW Algae ID 33, SW Algae ID 34, SW Algae ID 35, SW
Algae ID 36, SW Algae ID 37, SW
Algae ID 38, SW Algae ID 39, & Marine Algae Control FAQs
2, 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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Is this a
dreadful BGA or a delightful filamentous Red? A quick look
through a microscope would tell... if no nucleus...
Cyanobacteria. Hawai'i pic.
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New Print and
eBook on Amazon
Marine Aquarium Algae Control
by Robert (Bob) Fenner
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Nuisance red algae 4/5/04 Hey Anthony and
Bob - I don't know if you remember me but I am from the Rocky
Mountain Reef Club in Colorado and we had you guys come out and
speak with us. I also work with Barry at Aqua
Medic and handle all his website development and talked with you
about wetwebmedia.com. <cheers to all the Denver gang...
especially that sweetie Becky at Neptune's <G>> I am
having a very annoying algae bloom in my tank and I don't know
what it is or what I need to put into the tank to eat it or what I
need to change to stop it. Here is a picture: http://www.johnsreef.com/images/red_macroalgae.jpg
Any information would help. I would really appreciate
it! Thanks! John Michael <decent picture, but just not
clear/close enough to make a confident ID. Looks like it might be
the dreaded red turf algae, Polysiphonia to me. Do research that
name (know that there are many forms of it... stick to the hobby
pics/sites.) Best regards, Anthony> |
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Algae and Worm Identification
3/26/04 Hello Anthony! <cheers Thanassis> Could you pls
help me identify the algae in the picture? I believed it to be
Dictyota, since I saw a photo in your book "Reef
invertebrates", where it looks like the Gracilaria. <the
photo is not clear, my friend, but it does appear to be like
Dictyota> Secondly, I noticed just yesterday the very thin and
black striped worms getting a part of their tentacles out of a hole
in the LR. Firstly I thought they were the feet of a brittle star,
but them I realized they came out from two different holes in the
LF. Can you identify it? <alas, no... nothing discernable
here> Sorry about the bad quality of photos. Thanks, Thanassis
<kind regards, Anthony> |
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Macro ID I've searched and asked around
to no avail. any idea? Not the best pic but should give an idea
what it looks like. Thanks in advance. <Looks like a Chlorophyte
of the genus Codium to me... like C. fragile, "Dead Man's
Fingers" off our coast (California). Use Google or other
search tools re and the genus name. Bob Fenner> |
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Wacky Pink Algae? Or, Is It Wacky Red Algae? Hi guys, <Hey
there! Scott F. here today!> I'm hoping I can get some help
identifying an algae that is doing quite well in one of my
customers tanks, a 230g reef. I've had it referred to
as "the red stuff" by the owner and from a fellow fish friend
who's in the know as "the pink stuff". <Well, that
narrows down the color, at least!> It's red/pink,
depending on the lighting, and grows in a fuzzy patch about
a 1/2-3/4 inch thick. It's easy to remove from the rocks
but in the process disintegrates and small hair like parts get blown
around in the tank only to reattach somewhere else. So it spreads
well. Also the 'root structure' remains on the
rock so when you remove it keeps growing back. I do the
toothbrush on the end of a siphon hose thing to scrape it off and take
it out but it only helps to limit the spreading. I've tried a
bunch of ways to get rid of it but it's very tenacious. And
the worst part I can't get anything to eat it. In this tank
there are two hungry tangs, a yellow and a blue that go to great
lengths to eat whatever they can get on the rocks...except the red
stuff. Trochus snails, Astrea snails and hermit crabs don't
eat it. 'Pods love it- but for a safe house. And
although I try to keep it looking under control...it isn't, and is
just getting worse, it has been about a year now. The
aquariums water quality is good and is doing really well, no phosphates
and nitrates are in the <2 range. I've recently put in a
RDP refugium which will help control this, I hope. I've
placed some of his corals that were being overrun by this in
my tank that has a refugium and after a couple of months the red
stuff seems to go away. But in the meantime and so I'm
better informed in the future can you identify this and can you suggest
some other ways of reducing it. Hopefully there's a red stuff
eater out there somewhere <Well, without a photo, I'm really
just guessing here. It could be Gelidium, which is a typical
"nuisance" algae. Or, it could be something more exotic, like
Halymenia or Geldiopsis. These kinds of algae are really not favored by
many herbivores; you may need to utilize "harsh" grazers,
such as urchins. Even they may not do the trick. Often times, manual
extraction is the best bet. Happily, these algae are often
self-limiting, and tend to decline on their own over time, in the
presence of good husbandry habits! If you can get a pic for us, we can
give a better shot at ID'ing this algae. Good luck! Regards, Scott
F>
Algae ID Howdy Crew, <Hi there>
Thought I keep you guys busier than you need to be! <Is that
possible?> My new reef tank is spreading all sorts of algae I
guess mainly seeded from my live rock. One type of algae
(attached) in particular is spreading like forest
fire. It's growing on my live rock, substrate, and
mainly dominating my dead rocks. I've searched and
it looks like Ulva? I'm not sure. Will it
go asexual on me? Should I leave it be or should I be
doing some gardening to keep it under control? <It
is Ulva... 'Sea Lettuce', you lucky dog! A great green
algae to culture, have in ones system... for food, nutrient
accumulation... looks! Will not "go sexual" (actually
will sporulate... no big deal). Would definitely leave it be, share
your wealth with other aquarists... At some point,
"conditions" will change in your system and this species
will be supplanted by others. Bob Fenner> Tks for your time.
Roy |
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Acro Suffering Algae II 3/1/04 Thanks Anthony, I have
attached two pictures. I have yet to master this (**^$^% digital
camera. <Hmmm... yes, helpful. The color and apparent texture of the
algae remind me of a dinoflagellate infection instead of a diatom
algae. Do check you pH and Alkalinity. Dinos like this often show up
when the aforementioned are flat (under 9dKH and under 8.3
respectively). Aggressive protein skimming and daily use of Kalkwasser
alone can eradicate this pest. DO let us know if it helps!
Anthony>
Unidentifiable Red Turf Algae - 2/28/04 Hey Paul, Sorry but I
didn't do a good enough job describing the algae. <No
worries> The algae is fuzzy almost like cotton balls not diatoms or
slime algae. <Yeah. I know what type of algae you are talking about
but I do not have any species ID yet. We have this algae in
our holding and reproduction tanks at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. I have
not taken the time to ID it yet. Will do so soon though.> I did have
some green hair algae that appeared about the same time but was able to
get rid of that very quickly. <Great.> The tank is 2 years old
and had no algae problems except the usual diatoms and Cyano on break
in. <Good of you to note. I have been preaching that new tank
"break in" has a major algae cycle> This algae was
introduced when I got more Caulerpa to add some variety to the sump. I
use ro/di and am diligent with filter changes. The algae is brownish
red- more red than brown. <Yep. Same as what we have I think> As
I mentioned before I am diligent with water changes and have limited
all known nutrients. <This is a very hard algae to rid yourself
of> I stopped feeding the tank all together for weeks to the point
that we lost a couple of Chromis for lack of food and the Caulerpa
stopped growing and almost started the dreaded die off. <Yikes. No
need to go that extreme> I'm up for suggestions on different
husbandry techniques if I am missing the boat somewhere but I feel like
I almost went to far. <We just pick it off manually. I do have some
info from someone in the trenches. Check out this link and
let me know if this is not only the algae you have but if her
suggestions do any good: http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-12/nftt/
> During this period of starving the fish and Caulerpa the fuzzy red
stuff kept growing I tried siphoning it off and longer stuff came off
easy but grew back quickly. <Oh yeah. Preaching to the choir> The
free floating stuff did good at replanting itself elsewhere. I have
looked at the articles and nothing described seems to match what I am
seeing. <We don't have much on this algae> This stuff is like
hair algae but is red not green, it doesn't get long and stringy it
stays closer to the rocks like little tufts of cotton. It is out
competing the Caulerpa in the sump and choking it out even after
cleaning most of it out on several occasions trying to give the
Caulerpa a head start. With limiting the nutrients I put into the tank
the Caulerpa doesn't grow all that fast and the fuzzy red headed
monster just keeps choking it out. <Try some of the suggestions in
the link above> I apologize if I have missed the articles on
identifying this particular algae but I don't find a match. If it
is Bryopsis <It is almost like a Chlorodesmis but not> I thought
that species was brown not red. <Bryopsis is more brown and
Chlorodesmis is green> I guess I am out of ideas as far as husbandry
but am up for suggestions I thought if I could identify the beast I
might find something to eat it. <I need to identify it soon. Maybe I
will add an article to the site once I have more info and identity>
All else coral-wise in the tank seems to be doing great so I am
stumped. <Except when the stuff grows on the coral, right? That is
the problem we seem to be having> Thanks for your
time. <Thanks for bringing this algae to the forefront.
Send pictures. As many as you can to me and I will work on an article
and ID. High resolution but small size pictures if you can. Thanks
~Paul>
More on Red Turf Algae - 2/28/04 Here you go Barb: Gelidium
pusillum http://www.globaldialog.com/~jrice/algae_page/redturf.htm
Is this it? (Albeit of juvenile growth)
Red Turf Algae follow-up - 2/29/04 That's the stuff.
<Awesome> I'm almost certain by the looks of it and it sounds
like it behaves the same too or should I say misbehaves. I can not tell
you how thankful I am for your efforts. <No worries. Educational for
me too. I have been putting it off at the Aquarium for some time> I
will get the snails as soon as possible. Is there a species name or is
Mexican Turbo good enough.<I think Mexican Turbo should be enough
but maybe try this name: (Turbo fluctuosa)> Sometimes at the LFS a
turbo snail is a turbo snail no matter what they look like if you know
what I mean. <I do. Take a look at a few online sites that sell the
(Turbo fluctuosa) so to get a good idea of what they look like> I
don't have a digital camera yet but I can find one to borrow and
take pictures it just might be awhile Thanks again. <No worries.
~Paul>
Red Turf Algae ID - 2/29/04 This does not quite look like it
< http://www.globaldialog.com/~jrice/algae_page/redturf.htm>
but if you go down to the U of Ohio resource Go to the alga images
click Rhodophyta and then Audouinella. <You're right, that does
look like it. Will do more research and keep you in the loop. If you
don't hear from me by next Monday then send me an email> This
looks like it could be it although I realize there might be several
that can look similar especially in pics. <Absolutely. There are
probably several morphs in the Gelidium alone.> Thanks again for all
your help <No problem. ~Paulo>
Slime/algae identification Hello All
In my 29 gallon reef tank I have
had a bloom of a green substance that I cant identify. This
substance is overtaking all the surfaces in the tank. At first I
thought it was just a green algae, but my turbo snails, lawn
mower blenny scarlet, blue and emerald crabs don't seem to
touch it. I have attached a couple of photos to see if you could
identify it and give me some pointers on ridding myself of it.
This tank is appr two years old now and the problem has been
present for around four months. the latest water tests revealed
the following: Temp - 78f Sg - 1.023 Ph - 8.3 DKH -
"high" w/ red sea marine test kit Ca - 350 NH3/NH4 - 0
NO2 - 0 NO3 - 0 PO4 - 0 I hope you can help dean <Can. You
have almost a "text book" example of LR succession in
this system. Please read here re Live Rock replenishment:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/lrfaq6.htm
The third FAQ down... and consider adding, switching some of your
LR out. Oh, this is BGA, aka Cyanobacteria. Bob Fenner>
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Macroalgae 2/24/04 ID Hey guys, I've
tried to figure this guy out and posted on bulletin boards but to
no avail. The tank is about 1-1/2 months old now and my hair algae
is finally starting to diminish and I'm trying to sort out
what's what. The "thing" is about the size of a large
marble. It's somewhere between medium-soft and hard. <it is
clearly a macroalgae. Too small to determine the genus. As it
grows, do compare it to pics on algaebase.org and/or references by
the Littlers> It started on one piece of LR and seems to have
spread to about a dozen spots now, fairly slow growing. I'm
guessing it's an algae, but was curious. <correct> The
picture shows the "thing" on a slightly smaller than a
baseball nub of rock and the "thing" like I said just a
little bigger than a marble. Thanks in advance, Yarsrevenge -
Lonnie Maxwell <best regards, Anthony> |
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Macroalgae ID II 2/24/04 Anthony
(and or WWM crew), "<it is clearly a macroalgae. Too small
to determine the genus. As it grows, do compare it to pics on
algaebase.org and/or references by the Littlers>" As you
said it's difficult to discern at this point, but you feel as
though this algae is beneficial enough to not remove it manually
from the aquarium? <most macros are easily limited/controlled by
controlling nutrient levels in the tank> As I couldn't
identify it at Algae.org. But one thing I'm now sure of it will
be all over the display soon enough as a piece was sticking in the
intake of my Stream pump this morning half-mangled and spreading
little ones I bet. hehe! Thanks a bunch! <no worries.. it will
only become a nuisance if the nutrients flare... all within your
control (skimming, water changes, etc) P.s. My Reef Inverts book
has come completely out of it's binding, (page by page) have
you guys had any issues from other folks like this? <yes, my
friend. We did replace a few (less than one dozen). Out of 8,000
copies printed, it really is a good QC track record. Some flaws are
inevitable. Please allow me to replace this copy for you. E-mail me
back with your mailing address> Love the book though. When's
the next vol. coming anyway????? <Bob and I hope to have it
ready for release this year. We are working on it presently :)
Anthony> |
Liverock hitch-hiker I.D III 2/27/04 Anthony, thanks a
lot for the quick replies. As for the algae it should be coming
into my control soon, I hope?!? <dunno... yes, if you are
dogging your nutrient export vehicles (heavy daily skimming,
weekly water changes, improved water flow, etc)> I've been
doing small 5g water changes and during these I'm using one
hand with a toothbrush and siphon. <good> No animals in the
tank except a few Astraea snails so not much in the way of added
D.O.C.'s. <do reconsider the reality/likelihood fo that
last statement. Your algae growth is evidence other wise ;)>
I've been running carbon every other week for three days and
remove. I use only RO/DI and run a test meter
indicating ppm of anything. I have been using ROWAphos
for about 1 week now. Tank is now 1-1/2 months so I understand a
lot of this is the maturing of the system/rock. <correct...
algal succession in a nutrient spiked new tank> But would like
to make sure nuisance algae is kept well at bay. Oh yeah the
Euro-Reef CS8-2 works well, my girlfriend actually leaves this
end of the house during empty and cleaning!!! <ha! too funny.
Good to hear (the skimmer part... not the girlfriend being
offended part)> Thank-you for your time, Lonnie P.S. -I added
a couple pictures of how bad the Reef Invert's book de-bound
(is that a word?). I would be very grateful for a new copy and I
can officially say too, that I read the book right out of
its' cover! hehe <will do my friend... thanks kindly.
Anthony>
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What is it? Red algae ID
2/25/04 WWM Crew, I have this probable red algae growing in one
of my tanks. Do you know what it is? First picture was taken today.
the other picture in Sept. 03. Mitch <Hi Mitch. I am
not sure of the ID of the first algae that sort of looks like a
bunch of curlicues. The second algae that is sort of
feathery looking, looks like Gracilaria. Both are
beautiful and nice finds! Best
Regards. Adam> |
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New Print and
eBook on Amazon
Marine Aquarium Algae Control
by Robert (Bob) Fenner
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