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FAQs about Red Algae/Rhodophyte Identification 1
Related Articles: Red Algae in General,
Coralline Marine Algae, Avoiding
Algae Problems in Marine System,
Algae Control,
Marine Maintenance, 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, Algae as Food,
Related FAQs: Red Algae ID 2,
Red Algae ID 3, Red Algae ID 4,
Red Algae ID5, & Red Algae 1,
Red Algae 2, Red Algae 3,
Red Algae in General,
Red Algae 2, Red Algae 3,
Red Algae Behavior, Red Algae
Compatibility, Red Algae Selection,
Red Algae Systems, Red Algae
Nutrition, Red Algae Disease,
Red Algae Reproduction/Propagation,
Coralline Algae, Marine
Macro-Algae, Use in Aquariums, Algae
as Food, 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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Red Hair/Branching algae - Ceramium 5/31/04
Hello Bob,
<Anthony Calfo in his stead>
I hope you're well and in a good shape.
<the more years that go by with me working in front of a computer, the
rounder I get. I'm thinking of strapping my laptop to a treadmill <G>>
I'm ok too, it could be better but it could be worse....
<keep on
keeping on my friend>
I have received a question about : "red algae
Ceramium (???, do you know this algae?)
<the correct spelling is
Ceramium with an "m". It is a nuisance species... one of the many things
called "red hair algae". This one really is a doozy though. It naturally
occurs in high nutrient near shore environments and often lives as an
unwelcome epiphyte on other critters and substrates>
The aquarist has
a wild growth of these algae and can't get rid of it.
<no worries...
it can be controlled. Easily starved into submission with tighter
nutrient control. Really... it can disappear in 2-3 weeks with wicked
protein skimming. It probably got there because of poor protein
skimming, weak water changes and/or weak water flow which allowed
sediments to accumulate>
He asks for my help. Al seems to be good in
his measurements but he has a Ca test of 600, to heavy I think.
<I
doubt that the reading is even accurate. Indeed too high. And if his Alk
is not very low, then I am sure it is a misreading. Else, the poor chap
is having a precipitous snowstorm as we speak <G>>
I ask for my help
and I ask for the help of the supreme chancellor....
<Hmmm... yikes!
And we've just been calling him "Bob" all along.>
He said he had a
problem with his Ca reactor a while ago, what he did to help the
problem, he didn't say, perhaps is the solution knowing what he did....
Read You. Regards, the best. Claude
<Claude, do suggest in concert
with starving the algae out, some Diadema urchins (Pacific or Atlantic
species). They will only be treating the symptom and not the problem,
but will give results fast. They are marvelous algae grazers. One small
urchin per 100 gallons if you want to be conservative. Prost! Anthony>
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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I think its a kelp???
<A red algae of some sort. Please read
here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/redalgae.htm and on to the related
articles and FAQs files (linked, in blue, at top). Bob Fenner> | 
Botryocladia likely. RMF
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Red Alga ID 11/6/04
Once again need some expert opinion. I
have this red algae grew in both the overflow and sump. It attached
on side of wall in high flow area. Any idea what type red algae it
is. Is it Nemastoma sp.? As always thanks for the help.
Wayne
<its always tough to ID from a pic, but in this case not possible.
The image is just not close/clear enough to examine. I can tell you
that it does not look anything like Nemastoma to me. Do browse the
database algaebase.org for more pics/info and also consider any of
the excellent books like the Littlers (find them at
seachallengers.com). They are experts on Marine algae. Anthony> | 
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Red Algae ID 10/9/04
Okay, I found this picture on your website,
its not mine but this is exactly what is growing so prolifically and
acting as home to my clown. Would you take a shot at it.
<Halymenia or Kallymenia IMO. Please also take note of the excellent
database "algaebase.org">
I am so fascinated by it. No emperor,
huh? I want a big hardy fish, Koran? Blue face?
<they
are all too large/difficult. Anthony> Where Did That Ogo
Go-Go? (Mystery Gracilaria ID)
Hi,
<Hi there! Scott F. at
your service!>
We received a type of Red Gracilaria that differed
from the branchy type in that it was rather flattish, somewhat
transparent and "slimy." Our tangs loved it and it seemed to grow
better than the thin branchy type. I found a picture at one time that
indicated the species was from Japan. The Caulerpa smothered it out and
of course I can't find the picture/type now.
Any idea what the name
of it was or where it could be obtained?
Thanks, Doug
<Well,
Doug- I believe that I have encountered this species before, myself. I
think that it may be G. salicornia, but you may need to do some internet
searches to be sure. University of Hawai'i maintains a nice database on
macroalgae with links that may be of interest...I highly recommend
checking it out. Best of luck on your search! Regards, Scott F.> <<There
are dozens of species of Gracilaria... RMF>>
Re: My reef tank
plans
I do not know if you needed the original email or not so I
keep it, sorry if it causes any problem. Just want to pass on this info
on red Gracilaria tikvanhie.
<Thank you for this... couldn't find on
the Net... as you've mis-spelled the scientific name... twice!>
You
had said you never heard of this species. I know you guys always like
new info.
http://www.hawaii.edu/reefalgae/invasive_algae/rhodo/gracilaria_tikvahiae.htm
Thanks for the fast reply.
Gary
<Thank you for the reference. Bob
Fenner> Red algae - 05/05/2006
I have had an issue with red
bubble algae for sometime now. By searching the FAQ I initially thought
it was Botryocladia. I now am not sure of this. Reasons being that in
other responses it was said that many predators would feed on this and
it would disappear soon.
<Sometimes...>
I have had the problem
for nearly a year now and it is worsening. Though I do not have a
picture of this I can tell you that it does not grow on a stalk or vine
like the Botryocladia in pictures I have seen, but rather directly on
the rocks, filters covers and even snail shells. I have tried manually
removing the bubbles but while attempting this I popped a bubble and a
gel was secreted.
<... this is likely a blue-green algae... not a
Rhodophyte>
I can only guess that this is how the algae reproduces
because it spread like bird flue after that. The best
way I can
describe the culprit is to say it looks like a strawberry. Any ideas or
predator suggestions would help.
<... do you have access to a
microscope of two hundred plus power? Bob Fenner>
Red algae ID
Hi Bob,
It's been awhile since I have drawn upon
your knowledge . I figured it was about time to do so again so today I
bring you an algae question.
What I have is variegated in color,
ranging from pink to dark blue/purple. It grows rapidly , and does not
seem to care where. It is soft and spongy and does not readily "pop"
when squeezed between your fingers . It grows in small oval disc's
stacked close together and on top of each other sorry for that wonderful
description) in a bunching fashion. Any Idea what it is and how to
control it .
<Hmm, stacked as you say, sounds like Halimeda, but
soft... a Botryocladia species..? the color range? Perhaps due to other
algae growing on its segments (corallines, greens, blue greens... Just
pinch, cut off the masses of it you don't want and remove>
The tank
has a refugium with lots of Caulerpa in it .Thanks for your time.
<Be
chatting. Bob Fenner>
Jim Bell Something growing in my reef
(spiky, reddish, not moving... mmm) ID
Hello Mr.. Fenner
my name is Tori and I work with a fella named matt who told me to email
you about something I have growing in my reef.
<Okay>
I don't have
a scanner or I would send a picture, first let me tell you what I have
running.. then I will describe the organism.
I have a twenty nine
gal. SeaClear tank, aprox.35-40 lbs of live rock with various things on
it.. green stars, mushroom anemones, leather coral, yellow polyps, green
buttons, x-mas tree rock.. torch coral, mandarin dragonet, yellow eye
tang, maroon clown and two Tridacna clams.
<Wow, quite a bit of life
in such a small volume of water>
what has me baffled is this thing
that looks just like fire, that started growing really good when I put
some light on the tank, it grew when I only had 40 watts on it <a marine
glow, and a power glow> then I put two 55 watt power compacts on it as
well.. now it is really growing. as I said it looks like fire, with the
outside surface being bright red and very smooth.. branches growing from
the base are sharp on the end, and spiky like a drawing of fire would be
and the inside surface is bright orange. it seems to be rather ridged,
moving in the strong current but not much. its still sort small only
about an inch or so tall but branches are still growing. there are no
visible polyps or tubes. it is really magnificent I must tell you... one
of the most beautiful marine things I have ever seen! I can not find a
picture of this thing, or anyway to find out what it is. I think I may
have another growing across from the first one, but it still looks like
a bud now on the rock.
I am in the business of selling fish so I have
some good equipment on this reef: Rena Filstar xp1, 90gal. Berlin
protein skimmer, two Rio powerheads and one power sweep at the top <to
keep the stars happy!> live sand, and coral. this tank has been running
for at least two years..
I hope you can help me.. matt said you were
the fish guru!
thank you,
Tori Craig
<Thank you for writing.
Don't know exactly of course, but what you describe sounds like some
sort of red algae (Rhodophyte). Please read here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/redalgae.htm and the coralline algae article
thereafter. Please have a friend with a digital camera take a few shots
to send along. Bob Fenner> What in the heck is this? (red algae)
Greetings!
<and Salutations... Anthony Calfo in your service>
I
was wondering if you could help identify this thing growing on my rock.
It came in on the rock and I figured it would just die as it was shipped
from Fiji and did not look that great. For size it is about the size of
a baseball. There is also a branch or two on other spots on the same
rock. I have enclosed some photos. Thanks! If the photos don't help, it
is maroon colored and fuzzy.
Thanks!
<Adam... in general terms,
you have a calcified red algae species. Guessing to the generic level,
it is like Galaxaura although I only know of it from the Atlantic. Are
you certain it came in with Fiji rock because the rock in your pictures
resembles Atlantic/aquacultured rock (which would make ID down to genera
more akin to the aforementioned Galaxaura)? Nonetheless... a very nice
branching and partially calcified alga. Cool. Anthony Calfo>
Red Algae... but not a Rhodophyte...
Bob,
This red slimy
algae has showed up on this piece of live rock. It seems to be
spreading. Any concerns and do you know what it is???
<Yes to
concerns... this is almost certainly a type of BGA/Cyanobacteria...
please read over its biology, control on WetWebMedia.com perhaps
starting here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/bluegralgae.htm and the
links, FAQs files beyond. Bob Fenner>
Thanks in advance.
John
Kummer | 
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Coral I.D. (actually a red algae)
Hi The Crew,
<Howdy>
Hope
you guys enjoyed the hot summer. I have this thing growing out on one of
my live rocks about two months ago, now it grew to about 4" around. It
feel soft at touch, and the appearance like Japanese maple tree. Would
like you guys to identify it for me. As always appreciate your
expertise.
<It's a species of Red Algae. Please see here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/redalgae.htm>
PS: Just thought you might
interest to see this picture: One of my tomato clown in a purple tipped
Condylactis anemone. SWEEEEET.
<Very nice as well. Bob Fenner>
Wayne Algae/Coral I.D.
Hi The Crew,
<Hi the fellow
fish nerd>
Hope you guys enjoyed the hot summer.
<I'm thinking
about shaving my entire body... heat index is over 100 here in
Pittsburgh with serious humidity. Sneeze and it triggers a
thundershower>
I have this thing growing out on one of my live rocks
about two months ago, now it grew to about 4" around. It feel soft at
touch, and the appearance like Japanese maple tree. Would like you guys
to identify it for me. As always appreciate your expertise.
<it is
clearly a red algae species... very attractive to me. Enjoy it!>
PS:
Just thought you might interest to see this picture: One of my tomato
clown in a purple tipped Condylactis anemone. SWEEEEET.
Wayne
<with kind regards, Anthony> Cool Marine Plant... Where're
those pix!?
Hi,
<cheers, mate>
I have done search after
search in every location I can to identify something that is taking over
my substrate. I hate to bother you with questions but I have looked
everywhere and I am starting to worry at this point.
<no bother...
and no worries>
The first thing that I saw was this purple anemone
looking creature that is attached to a live rock.
<actually a
fluid/bulbous red algae species>
It doesn't seem to have a stalk, but
just little stubby arms waving around. It has the diameter of a nickel
and is no more than a centimeter high (and growing). Here is a picture.
I wasn't worried but then around the same time that he popped up 30-50
of these other little guys popped up.
<cool...>
They started
small, about the size of a pen head, but some have grown to the size of
a pencil eraser or slightly larger. While the first one was on top of a
rock (I guessed that possibly the first one on the rock is the same
species and spawned the smaller ones), these little guys are only on the
substrate. They are round balls with little dark spots that might
possibly be stubby arms. Here is a picture of
these guys. I
think I can collect them if I have to but if they are good to have or
won't do any harm, then I don't mind them.
<no harm at all... likely
you have or can easily find an herbivore to graze them down if you
like... else enjoy!>
This is a FOWLR tank. I GREATLY appreciate your
help and your faq's are a bible to me. Hope all is well, Andy
<our
pleasure... with kind regards, Anthony>
Red Algae species ID
Hi everybody!
<Cheers, my friend!>
I just bought my first plant for my FO aquarium. It is a beautiful
red plant.
<specifically... it is a red algae species... perhaps
Halymenia. Do use that genera name to search for more photos on the
web>
The problem is that neither I nor the shop owner know what
kind of plant it is (its name, peculiarities, etc). I am sending you
a photo taken by my camera (the analysis is not very good) in case
you can identify it.
<alas... without knowing where it was
collected from and from the vagueness of the photo... I cannot not
be sure. Halymenia is a good guess though>
I intend to buy some
live rock as well. Since I have tangs and angels, will they eat all
the green of the live rock?
<most of it yes... resist buying
tangs as long as possible (many months) to allow the algae and
plants to establish very strong first>
If yes, then is it still
worth to buy?
<yes... but it is better off placed in a fishless
refugium inline>
Thanks, Thanassis from Greece
<best regards,
Anthony> |  |
Red Algae IDs 8/2/03
Hello! Who do I have the pleasure of
writing to today?
<Antoine... with cape but no sox tonight>
I've
searched through the WetWebMedia faq's but I haven't been able to
identify two of the items growing in my nano reef. Attached are two
pictures. The item in picture1.jpg started out as a totally flat red
spot on my LR. It kinda looked like coralline algae...
<nope...>
but it has grown out rather fast into its present state.
<it is
Nemastoma... see page 104 of Reef Invertebrates for pic, and page 106
for brief PP>
The item in picture2.jpg started out as a heart shaped
"balloon" and has grown at about the same rate. It is filled
with
what looks like air bubbles.
<tough to say for how small it is and
until it grows out more. Does resemble Scinaia. Could also be
Botryocladia. Do seek more pics and info on algae at algaebase.org>
Any help you can offer in identifying these two mysteries would be
greatly appreciated. Thank you all for sharing your knowledge & helping
me with this educational/enjoyable hobby! Jason M. Wood
<our great
pleasure... thank you for sharing your pics for us/the public to see and
learn from. Anthony> |  |  |
Algae ID 10/20/03
I have searched all over to find something that
looks like this but to no avail. Have you any ideas? I think it is some
form of algae. It has grey "arms" with dark brown stubby bits which
would be polyps on a coral - growing well near the surface of the tank
under the T5s. Came with some coralline LR and has grown several arms in
the last week of about 1-2" long in a sideways spreading habit. What is
it? What do I do with it?
<its a Red algae (Rhodophyte) of the genus
Laurencia or perhaps Halymenia. Tough to tell from the unclear image and
small nubbins of a specimen. Generally harmless although any macroalgae
can be a nuisance if the nutrients are high enough in the system. Doa
search at www.algaebase.org and see if any pics look familiar to you.
Anthony> Help identifying saltwater plant: Red Seagrapes -
Botryocladia 11/2/03
Hi, I love your site...many thanks. I've
searched around trying to identify this plant, but haven't found any
good leads. All I know is that the Chinese name translates to 'Red grape
tree'. Hope the picture helps, Thanks Again Craig
<very fine
picture... clearly a Rhodophyte of the genus Botryocladia. We discuss
this and most marine algae extensively in our new book "Reef
Invertebrates". Please also consider bookmarking algaebase.org as an
excellent reference. Best regards, Anthony>
Red macro-algae ID 1/30/04
Could you help me ID these? I've
been all over your site, but nothing jumps out at me. Thanks in
advance for your help. Jennifer
<Hi Jennifer. Adam
here. Wow! Kudos on your successful cultivation of such beautiful
specimens. The first pic (grape looking) is probably Botryocladia
sp. The last one (sort of feathery) is probably Gracilaria. The
middle one (finger shapes) is a stumper, but could be
Codium. HTH. Best Regards. Adam> | |  |  |
ID Red Balloon algae? 12/30/03
Any idea what these are? They keep
getting bigger and bigger - look like they may pop someday.
http://www.geocities.com/jtgilkeson/baloons.html
Thanks!
<could be the rhodophyte/red algae "Botryocladia". Do a search for this
genus and others at algaebase.org to see more pics. We also have several
images of this algae in our Reef Invertebrates text. There are
differences in color/morphology among those species/specimens seen in
the hobby. Anthony> | 
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