Mystery Plant ID?

[Chrsnwk]

I posted this in my local forum, but nobody seemed to have anything to say about it, so I thought I might try here...

This stuff has been growing in my reef for some time now, and I'm wondering if any of those here, more knowledgeable than I in marine botany, might be able to help me out?

The algae in question is the yellow vegetation, nestled in with the red mushrooms. (there is also some yellow sponge growing in that area as well)

Each "leaf" of it resembles a potato chip and has variegated yellow and brown coloration. It's not at all stiff like a money plant, nor squishy like calaurpa(sp?). The leaves are paper thin with a paper like texture.

So... anybody got any insight as to what it might be?

 

[Samala]

Does it look almost like onion rings? If so, perhaps Padina. If it is smooth in appearance (no rings), then perhaps Lobophora.

>Sarah

 

[Chrsnwk]

Here are a few more pictures of the plant in question. The first 2 are taken with the aquarium lights only, and the 3rd with a flash.

Thanks for all your help!!

 

[graveyardworm]

Wow that stuff is wierd looking. It doesnt seem to fit Padina or Lobophora, I'm sure its either one or other just an oddball. Given the fuzziness which seems to surround it I would lean towards Lobophora.

 

[Samala]

Hmm. It doesn't quite look like Lobophora now to me either. Its too, distinctive. Lemme check the books. The color is also way flourescent! Usually these macro's lean towards khaki to light browns.

>Sarah

 

[Chrsnwk]

based on some GOOGLE RESEARCH, in Padina and Lobophora I believe it to be Lobophora variegata. The picture of it on that linked site seems to resemble it most closely.