ID Algae

[RobertG]

I dont like the looks of this here. Anyone know what kinda algae this is? Also what might eat it?

[C.Mydas]

I have that, don't know what it is, and nothing eats it that have (tangs, snails, hermits)

[Ram_Puppy]

I looked it up in Calfo and Fenner's "Reef Invertebrates" I think it is Lobophora

here is a wetwebmedia link with some pics.

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/brnalgae.htm

according to calfo, the algae is not noxious or nuisance, control if required by the aquarist, can only be acquired with 'harsh grazers' like sea urchins... considering the placement of yours, not sure that is an option.

[MikeP]

It is most likely Lobophora. I've had it in my tank early on and it covered a pretty large swatch before my urchin cleared it off. The whorling / plated structures are neat but it starts out as a soft/pliable sncrusting algae. Not harmful though some people consider it unattractive. There is another similar looking brown algae called Padina I've seen on live rock before too but it is a of a lighter color and more delicate 'leaves'.

Next time you are in Aquatek look in their front display tank on those plexiglas columns for comparison - that brown algae on it is lobophora also.

[GaryP]

I have it in my tank too. Nothing touches it. I ID'ed it as Lobophora as well. Fin-Addict has a good algae ID book that I used. It didn't have any good suggestions for grazers. Do any of you folks that have more experience with urchins than I do have a suggestion as to what kind would be best to try to graze this stuff?

Gary

[::pete::]

Lobophora variegata (http://www.saltcorner.com/sections/guest/algaepage/algaepage.htm) ... yup ;)

[Ram_Puppy]

Gary, I have a tuxedo urchin and I love it, I plan on buying a few more when I get the larger tank up. They stay small and don't bulldoze, and are voracious when it comes to algae, they are also easily handled with your bare hands if need be. I think the tuxedo's are most likely the best urchin you can buy for a reef tank.

[MikeP]

Gary, I have 2 urchins, a Diadema / Longspine and some kind of atlantic - both herbivores. The diadema are excellent at getting rid of any algae including coralline so while the lobophora would get eaten , so would your nice purple coralline. Also they get huge - mine has gone from about 1 inch to about 10 inches in less than a year. Plus Ive jabbed myself on his spines more than once working in the tank - they have some kind of substance that is extremely irritating.

Also - Naso tangs are supposed to love this stuff as brown algaes make up a large part of their diet in the wild.

[Ram_Puppy]

diadema = venemous