Leafy green algae?

[leviburns89]

Just noticed these little leafy things growing. Did some research and I can't really find an accurate description of what this is.

It's thin at the base, and gets a bit more broad at the end. It's flat along the length, and very green, almost like a fresh water plant.

There are 3 of them I've noticed, each about .75" in length. Width about .5cm at the broadest part.

Ideas??

 

[thegrun]

The picture looks like Spindle Weed (Neomeris sp.) but if it is flat it would be something else. Perhaps a small piece of Caulerpa brachypus which can be invasive.

 

[leviburns89]

Caulerpa was my guess as well.

From what I could find, regardless of what it is, I should remove it.

 

[CStrickland]

The first pic looks like neomeris to me too, but it's more like a tube. http://www.melevsreef.com/node/450
Maybe the babies are flat? Not sure.

 

[leviburns89]

Yeah this is definitely a flat leaf like plant. Looks like baby lettuce.

I picked off what I could see, it was rooted quite well, and made a snapping feeling when plucked.

 

[jdjp]

C. Prolifora ?

 

[MaccaPopEye]

It could be a type of Halimeda algae. The snapping feeling makes it sound like a calcifying algae.

 

[leviburns89]

C. Prolifora looks to be the closest resemblance.

Not ruling out halimeda tho, couldn't find any pictures of sprouts.

If it returns, I will do some microscope slides.

 

[leviburns89]

A bunch more of that algae popped up, but good news is, my hermits devour it.