Red Algae ID

Potsy · 06/23/2018, 07:22 AM

I posted this in the general, but I figured I'd get some more opinions here...

Can anyone id this red algae? Under the microscope it looks similar to pink cotton candy algae, but it's more of a deeper red color, and shaped more like match head sized short tufts. It'll come off somewhat easily with tweezers or pinching. It will grow anywhere but the glass. Spreads very quickly It is not cyanobacteria.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/4xGEaLRep4X2CDp7A
https://photos.app.goo.gl/krnEmVLci8XSKRyh8

Michael Hoaster · 06/23/2018, 09:23 PM

I took a look. It does resemble cotton candy, but it's tuft-y and turf-y looking. Call it Red Tuft Algae, if you like. If you want to get rid of it, I'd suggest trying different herbivores, like snails, tangs, urchins, etc.

Potsy · 06/24/2018, 06:46 AM

Thanks for looking. I do recall getting this algae in my 50 gallon reef back in 2010 from the same lfs most likely. I didn't notice it on any rubble coral bases. Apparently all it takes is a single strand or spore. Urchins got drunk while grazing on it, standing still or falling off the rock work, so it apparently concentrates bromide in its tissues. And last time around Mexican turbos didn't eat it. My tomini tang won't touch it. I don't have many corals yet, so I might just bleach the rock and equipment, and start over.

06/23/2018, 07:22 AM	#1
Potsy Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Kinnelon, NJ Posts: 1,827	Red Algae ID I posted this in the general, but I figured I'd get some more opinions here... Can anyone id this red algae? Under the microscope it looks similar to pink cotton candy algae, but it's more of a deeper red color, and shaped more like match head sized short tufts. It'll come off somewhat easily with tweezers or pinching. It will grow anywhere but the glass. Spreads very quickly It is not cyanobacteria. https://photos.app.goo.gl/4xGEaLRep4X2CDp7A https://photos.app.goo.gl/krnEmVLci8XSKRyh8

06/23/2018, 09:23 PM	#2
Michael Hoaster Registered Seaweedist Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 5,807	I took a look. It does resemble cotton candy, but it's tuft-y and turf-y looking. Call it Red Tuft Algae, if you like. If you want to get rid of it, I'd suggest trying different herbivores, like snails, tangs, urchins, etc. __________________ As many naturalists and environmentalists have suggested, we should set aside our arrogance, our desire to conquer and control everything, and walk hand in hand with Mother Nature. -Walter Adey Current Tank Info: 180g Seagrass Sandbar Lagoon, START DATE November 28, 2018

06/24/2018, 06:46 AM	#3
Potsy Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Kinnelon, NJ Posts: 1,827	Thanks for looking. I do recall getting this algae in my 50 gallon reef back in 2010 from the same lfs most likely. I didn't notice it on any rubble coral bases. Apparently all it takes is a single strand or spore. Urchins got drunk while grazing on it, standing still or falling off the rock work, so it apparently concentrates bromide in its tissues. And last time around Mexican turbos didn't eat it. My tomini tang won't touch it. I don't have many corals yet, so I might just bleach the rock and equipment, and start over.