Busy, Red, Algea ID. Slow grower, never seen it anywhere but my tank.

[nolofinwe]

Howdy,

I picked up a real small piece of rock almost two years ago, and it had about a 2 square-inch patch of a bushy red algae. Some kind of macro. I didn't find it particuarly offensive, and it didn't seem to grow for a few month, so I left it alone.

Now 18 months later it has quietly snuck up on me and has at least got a foot hold on each piece of rock. It dosent grow quick, so I can grab a rock at my leasure, scrub it off and it will take at least a month for it to grow back.

Frankly, I'd rather not even have to deal with it anymore, but my crabs dont touch it, my angel dosent touch it, and I don't know which direction to go in.

I don't think nutrient load is the problem, just because it is so slow growing.

Here it is:

can anybody ID this? what devours it?

It's texture isn't slimy, and its a little stiff, but not brittle or anything. I guess it's like a brillo pad.

Thanks!

 

[kevin_mic]

If you do find something that eats it I would be interested to know about it.

I have a similar algea in my tank and it grows like gang busters. So far my sailfin tang will eat it but doesn't eat enough to keep it under control.

 

[bluenassarius]

have you tried mexican turbo snails?
they eat various types of algae

 

[sylphid]

Should be Hypnea pannosa. It's common in Asia.