Help ID please

[wfgworks]

This plant seemed to start growing out of my coral's about 3 weeks ago. I didnt think it was going to grow this fast and large but it has.

What is it?
Should I try and seperate it from the coral?
Should it be removed or is ok?

Thanks!

 

[wfgworks]

One more

 

[kmk2307]

Hi wfgworks,

I think that is a type of Caulerpa. It looks like Caulerpa racemosa to me. There is a lot of information on it here on RC and on the web in general. Caulerpa is spiffy because it can uptake big, high nutrient molecules, and cleans up the water.

HTH,
Kevin

 

[Shablin]

It is grape caulerpa; Id definitely remove it from the coral ASAP. It will grow rapidly and the roots will attach (more) to your coral skeleton (?candycane??) and interfere with its growth (blocks light). I have a patch in my tank but I try to keep it confined to one area. It is a hardy macro algae and is generally good for the water, but can cause some problems (toxins, going 'sexual' etc). The problem you will have is removing it; the roots attach to a hard surface, you remove it, a small piece of root remains, it grows back.......)