ID help please - Macro or seaweed?

[Rippin]

Hi all,

Just got a bunch of this but I can't positively identify what it is.

It could be Gracilaria, Halymenia, Porphyra or even Nitophyllum...or just red seaweed

The texture of the plant in question is very slippery and the blades are flat. All of the blades stem from one fat blade at the base. It is not attached to any rock.

The first picture is without the flash.

This second picture is with the flash.

If I'm going to have any of this stuff in the aquarium I want it to be beneficial (such as an excess nutrient absorbing macro) that will reduce pest algaes.

Right now I have it on a clip in the aquarium. I do not have a sump or refugium.

Any help on this would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[graveyardworm]

Just a guess, but I would say Halymenia.

 

[BruceW]

Halymenia. A very disirable macro. It doesn't attach to anything so it is easy to remove from your tank. Also you can always sell or trade the excess to other hobbyist.

I use it in my seahorse fry bowls to help remove ammonia and because hydroids don't seem to attach to it. Maybe it is because of the slimey texture. Also I use it for seahorse hitches.

Bruce

 

[Rippin]

Thanks guys.

After more research on the Halymenia family it looks to be the Floresia type algae.