ID: Red bubble algae?

[glaze]

I have an established reef and just started getting some mad proliferation of what looks like a red bubble algae. There are two kinds. One kind is abnormal shaped, like a dollop of (red) cool whip with spots. The other is more like rounded red bubbles, similar to Valonia but more variable in size.

I'll try to attach a pic

Can anyone provide more info on this?

Scientific name?
How to get rid of it?
How fast do I need to act?

 

[Anonymous]

Very intriguing...I have no idea but I'll give it a bump. I'm really curious to know what the small orange circles on it are as well. I wonder if it's a sponge of some kind.

 

[Anonymous]

I've had it, it grows quick, act now. As for the ID, dunno. I bought it before finding out how bad it was, arg.

 

[Anonymous]

I have a few of emm too

 

[Juck]

I have them too,, I think they're some kind of bubble algae,, like valonia but red. They have a slippery/waxy surface and they pop just like valonia when you squeeze them.

They don't seem to spread anywhere near as quickly as valonia though,, I never have more than a few of these in my tanks at any one time. I've never seen my hermits or anything else touch them.

 

[glaze]

How do I get rid of this? It's spreading fast.

 

[Anonymous]

Botryocladia sp. It prefers bright light and does rapidly reproduce.
To get rid of it pick it out of the tank without bursting it, though it usually doesn't do well long term in aquariums.

Regards,
David Mohr

 

[John_Brandt]

My opinion is that this is the initial growth form of a leafy red algae. You may see it changing form soon. I suspect that almost any Acanthurus, Naso or Zebrasoma tang will eat it, as would a rabbitfish. Please keep us informed with photos if it changes.

PS: Love your Diploastrea!