Macro Algae ID

[slfcaptain]

I have a few sprouts of this green macro algae on a piece of rock.



The closest match I could find is Caulerpa serrulata from http://www.marineplantbook.com/marinebookserrulata.htm . The pieces in my tank don't have stalks like in the picture at marineplantbook, mine just sprouts from a spot on the rock. Does anyone else have an idea of what I have?


One more quick ID. I know its not a plant but I'll throw it in here anyway.



Is the white thing just an encrusting sponge?

 

[Mike Johnson]

#1. Caulerpa Serrulata.
#2. White Coralline Algae?

http://biogeodb.stri.si.edu/bioinformatics/dfmfiles/files/c/28634/28634.jpg

 

[slfcaptain]

Is the serrulata safe to keep? I like it and want to keep it unless it has plans to take over.

Is there white coralline? It was never pink or red so I dont think it is a bleached piece of coralline.

steve

 

[slfcaptain]

I take that back. Its a piece of bleached coralline. Had to hunt down some older photos. Shame it bleached out.

steve

 

[Mike Johnson]

Well, beat me to it. http://www.aquaristsonline.com/blog/general/coralline-algae-is-not-supposed-to-be-white/

 

[slfcaptain]

My little serrulata is growing and throwing out a couple of runners. Am I safe to keep it? Honestly I like the way it looks so I hope it doesnt become a nuisance.



steve

 

[Mike Johnson]

Keep it. It's easy to get rid of if it becomes overgrown. First real algae eater you get in there and you can kiss it goodbye anyway.

 

[slfcaptain]

Awesome!

steve