Turf algae

Turf Algae

Scientific name: Multiple species (primarily Chlorodesmis, Derbesia, Ceramiales) Taxonomic type: Mixed chlorophytes and rhodophytes Water: Marina Color: Green, dark green, sometimes greenish-brown Texture: Short, dense, like "grass" or a "carpet" on the rock

Appearance: A short (1–5 mm) but very dense layer of mixed filamentous algae that covers the live rock like a lawn. It may consist of a mixture of various genera. It is very difficult to remove once established because it has roots anchored in the rock.

Is it dangerous?: It competes with corals for space and can cover small frags.

Main causes: High nutrient levels, insufficient herbivory pressure.

How to remove it:

• Heavy grazing: Tangs, foxface wrasses, sea urchins (Echinometra, Tripneustes), emerald crabs
• Instructions: Scrub the rock with a stiff brush while it is out of the water, then rinse.
• Algae Turf Scrubber (ATS): A system that intentionally cultivates algae turf in a scrubber to remove nutrients (advanced application).

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