macro algae ID

[rhdoug]

This algae started growing in my tank some time ago. It is not a hard plate like coralline, but soft like a leaf. Anyone ever seen it before? I have no intention of trying to get rid of it, unless of course I find out it is a tank killer or something, I'm just curious as to what it is.

 

[Samala]

Try out Distromium, Lobophora, Padina in algaebase.org's image search. The trouble with this macro is that its a red.. and there are a <i>lot</i> of red macro genuses, let alone species. However, plating reds aren't too common. Perhaps its just the pic, would you say its a brown instead? Anywho, check out those genuses for pics and see if any of them fit your macro.

Also.. we do not get many reports of the plating type algaes being nuisances. They tend to grow much slower than wire, turfs or more fleshy algae species, regardless of color (or division).

>Sarah

 

[rhdoug]

thanks Sarah. I had no idea where to start. that is a big help.

as far as the color the photo is pretty accurate. It is red with orange/yellow streaks on the ridges. very pretty I think. here is another shot of some attractive coralline that is growing in the tank.