MACRO ALGAE ID - problem - solution

[Mad Marine]

A new species of macro algae has sprung it's ugly head and is rampant.

1) Can someone ID?
2) Does anyone know what fish (specifically) will consume it?

Please see attached pictures.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Michael Hoaster]

Pics could be better, but if I'm seeing what you're asking about, I think it's Ulva. If its a green, free-form sheet, that's Ulva.

You'd be hard-pressed to find ANY herbivore that doesn't eat it - snails, crabs, urchins and just about any herbivore fish would love to eat it for you. Tangs, angels, rabbit fish are the first that come to mind.

 

[Mad Marine]

Thanks for ID.

Waiting on A. triostegus x 3 from the Maldives. They'll go into QT for 10 days and then added to display. Might add a Zebrasoma as well! Hopefully this will help!

Tank is just under 800 liters (not including sump).

 

[Michael Hoaster]

You're welcome. Yes, Convict Tangs will love it. In fact, it would be a good idea to encourage algae growth beforehand, to keep them happy. Also good idea to get them in before the Zebrasoma, as they are one of the least aggressive tangs. Let us know how it goes!

Here's a good article on them:

http://animal-world.com/encyclo/marine/tangs/convict.php