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Cladophora

Hairy Algae / Hair Ball (Cladophora aegagropila)

Note: Cladophora aegagropila (Marimo) is the desirable ornamental variety. The problematic variety is the filamentous Cladophora that forms mats.

Cladophora: A Problem: Scientific name: Cladophora sp. (various filamentous species) Color: Medium to dark green Texture: Rough to the touch (unlike the soft GHA), with interwoven stiff filaments

Appearance: Thick, matted green mats that cling tightly. It feels rough to the touch. It can cover large areas of the substrate, decorations, or plants. In direct light, it can grow very quickly.

Is it dangerous?: It can suffocate plants and cause debris to accumulate inside.

Related parameters: High nutrient levels + intense light.

How to remove it:

  • Manual: Start manually. Requires patience.
  • Biological: Amano shrimp, but Cladophora dura is less palatable than other species. SAE.
  • Chemical: H₂O₂ or glutaraldehyde.
  • Total darkness: 3–5 days of complete darkness (cover the aquarium) weakens Cladophora.