Help! algae ID and what eats it?

[Mache62]

I have this algae growing and it seems the more I pull it out the faster it grows! If even a tiny piece of it gets loose and new plant grows!
Please help with an ID and even more important....what eats it!

 

[Samala]

Looks like a Dictyota species member. I think RC members have had good luck with herbivores controlling its presence - rabbitfish and tangs. Hopefully someone else can chime in with some smaller choices if those two aren't potential candidates (especially since it looks like you've got a 40g breeder).

>Sarah

 

[Mache62]

Thanks Sarah! Yes, I do have a 40g breeder. I hope someone else is able to offer some type of fish option! I agree, I'm probably to small for any tangs.

 

[Mache62]

bump~~ any one with any ideas of a small fish that will eat this?

 

[Macroculture]

I have seen Fiji and Magnificant Foxface eat this algae (but they are too big for a 40), plus Emerald crabs will sometimes eat Dictyota.

 

[graveyardworm]

I did a little searching here on RC, and found that some members claim to have had luck using the Bali seahare against dictyota.

Here's the thread, http://reefcentral.com/forums/showt...erpage=25&highlight=bali seahare&pagenumber=1 you'll find some other suggestions and info there as well.

 

[Macroculture]

I have had sea urchins eat Dictyota before.

 

[Sk8r]

Try tripneustes gracilis urchin [foster/smith]. Eats grape caulerpa and every other kind of algae in its path: it ought to eat this stuff.

It's good with corals.

 

[Mache62]

well that was interesting reading....thanks guys.

so at this point I have seen a blonde naso at my lfs eat it, he gobbled it actually....but he is too big.

I am afraid an urchin would knock everyhting over and I have emrald crabs that don't eat it now.

I think I will try the sea hare if I can find one.