blue/purple macro

[Nap]

I am looking for an ID on this purple/bluish macro algae that is growing in my tank. The picture doesn't do it justice as the color is a beautiful purple and as you can see it grows both as a tight clump (on the left)and loose branches (middle and right). The algae has done well under both radiums and 10k ushios. (This photo was taken under 2 x 400w Radiums and is straight out of the camera. Only cropped for size.)
-Ian

 

[discocarp]

Looks like ochtodes to me, but I've only seen it grow in the tight clump form.

 

[sylphid]

It's Hypnea pannosa.
http://www.algaebase.org/imagedetail.lasso?img_id=34566

 

[Nap]

Thanks a bunch. There doesn't seem to be much info on this species other than distribution. Any advice on its care? The system that it's in has a small (but stubborn) outbreak of valonia and I am considering hiring the services of an emerald crab. Good idea? Or will he make short work of my Hypnea pannosa as well?

-Ian

 

[DensityMan]

Don't worry, it'll take care of its self.

I have this beautiful algae as well and it requires constant 'pruning.' Be careful of the little pieces that break off too; this algae is quite prolific and can/will spread from the tiniest fragment.

 

[halophila]

Yes, I agree with DensityMan, you need constant pruning and keep close check for it. At some point, I had it gone wild at my home's coral tank. It covered everything. Eventually, I need to add tangs to keep them in control. For your information, purple tang and sailfin tang are very good fish for controlling it.

Possibly due to competition and plant diversity, this Hypnea never pose a problem to me in the 4' seagrass tank.

 

[Nap]

Density and Halo,
Thanks. That's what I had been figuring. I was travelling for a while and my buddy overfed my system a bit much. Since then my algae growth has been a bit...hmm..."speedy." Gonna have to watch out.
-Ian

 

[akula]

will that grow under PCs?

 

[DensityMan]

It does indeed. IME it grows more slowly, but more colorfully under PC lighting.

 

[Loralie]

Does anyone have some of this they would be willing to sell? I have a 110 gallon fuge and am trying to get new forms of algea growth going.

 

[J8851]

i'd love some as well.

 

[Tabeaubi]

me too

 

[waterfaller1]

Me too

 

[kmk2307]

It looks like Hypnea to me also.

 

[donfishy76]

I'll take some too, if available!

 

[mrme]

ill take some too

 

[mrme]

please pm me ( if you wanna make a deal )

 

[neuroracer]

put me on the list too, how much?

 

[Herbert T. Kornfeld]

Dang, put me on the list..I even have some stuff very much like it in red that I would throw in.

 

[waterfaller1]

I don't think there is a 'list'