-->Order:
Bryopsidales
-->Family: Bryopsidaceae
-->Genus: Bryopsis
- Many times referred to as Sea Ferns, these soft, feathery, light to dark green hairlike alga grow in clumps and are usually introduced into an aquarium on live rock. Bryopsis sp. produce chemical defenses which can be toxic to many marine animals. Therefore, herbivorous animals that naturally eat algae will often avoid this alga species. Using natural predators for control is usually preferred by most hobbyists, but finding the right types of Hermit Crabs, Blennies, Zebrasoma & Ctenochaetus sp. Tangs or other animals that might eat Bryopsis can be a real challenge. As one example, many Sea Slugs of the Elysia sp. feed specifically on Bryopsis, but may starve to death after it is all gone! The point is, if you do decide to use reef janitors, do your research carefully! The life of many of these animals depend on their specific dietary food requirements, or lack of them. Using standard control methods can be a simpler solution for many hobbyists. Species Photos: B. pennata, B. pennata.
-->Genus: Derbesia
- More commonly known as green hair algae, these grow as dense mats, sometimes with erect branched filaments on top, and may develop from a bubblelike stage similar in appearance to that of Valonia, which in turn leads to the common filamentous hair stage. Being closely related, Derbersia can be treated in the same manner as Bryopsis.
-->Family: Cladophoraceae
-->Genus: Chaetomorpha & Cladophora
- Chaetomorpha - Can grow as brushlike tufts with fine erect hairlike filaments, or as vast mosslike masses. They can overgrow everything, choking out the light and water circulation that corals, other algae and tank inhabitants need to survive. Use standard control methods. Species Photos: C. antennina, C. aerea (2nd image).
- Cladophora - Usually darker green in color, these alga can grow fine hairlike or stiff brushlike branches, with thin or thickened filaments that form as tangled clumps. They can be attached, rolling or free floating clumps, or round patches on or under the sand. Can be removed by hand, as well as controlled by standard methods. Species Photos: C. vagabunda, C. prolifera, C. glomerata.
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