Sarcophyton vs macroalgae - a compatibility issue?

[João A M Gomes]

Hello

In an article on Sarcophyton ehrenbergi, Albert J. Thiel states “… keep macro-algae and Zoanthids away from Leather corals. The interaction is detrimental to the soft coral in all cases I have observed. This is especially so for all forms of Caulerpa macro-algae”.

I had been considering the introduction of a S. ehrenbergi frag to my nano where both zoanthids and several macroalgae species, including Caulerpa prolifera are present.

Another thread has dealt with the zoanthid issue, but no information on macroalgae. Has anyone witnessed this kind of incompatibility? Any explanation(s) for it?

Thanks in advance for your comments

João

[jer77]

The reason is because of chemicals released by caulerpa irritate most corals including leathers. Most other macroalgae is not really a threat. The other reason is that caulerpa and other macro can easily and quickly overgrow any coral. Zoanthids can also chemically harm passive leather corals, though its not as severe as caulerpa. Zoanthids also multiply quickly and can crowd corals and stunt growth. Unless the zoanthids are growing immediately next to your leathers you should be ok. You should be ok with growing macro too, even caulerpa, as long as you keep it trimmed back from close to your leather corals.