the Algae page

This is basically a "visual" page where photos of different forms of algae and possible biological control critters can be seen. You'll find five sections, three titled by a 'color' that loosely represent the type of algae or bacteria that fit into those categories. A forth is dedicated to "Other Higher Plants" and the fifth is the "Biological Control List" that contains the creatures that can possibly control/consume it. Each of the first four sections contains a species list, with each species name possibly preceded by a number. Only species that may be a problem, which varies depending upon whom you speak with, have numbers. The numbers relate to an animal in the Biological Control List that can be used to naturally control it (hopefully). Those species not numbered are considered either desirable or may have some other interest.

If the named alga species has a photo attached, that name is underlined. Simply click on the species name to bring up its photo. The same is true for the species mentioned in the "Biological Control List." And note, the algae numbering sequence is not consecutive throughout the following lists since it was and will be necessary to move/add species to different locations and the effort needed to keep it consecutive would be too time consuming.

If a species is not yet mentioned or underlined, it means I still need more information about it and/or a photo. If you have such, please send it and I'll post it with due credit. Sharing knowledge is what this non-profit website is all about! I should also add that since the supply of algae photos from individuals appears to be somewhat scarce in certain categories I searched the web to find sites where none-copyrighted examples appeared to be available and/or sought permission to use their photos.

As noted in the other sections/groupings in this website, there's room for additions and no doubt corrections. I've laid the groundwork, so please let's not criticize, simply pitch in and help! And since this is a visual gathering of this aspect of aquarium keeping, there's no related husbandry text explaining the conditions these species require or prefer. However, for that I highly recommend reading my Marine Algae Control Secrets booklet, Julian Sprung's Algae, A Problem Solving Guide, Vincent Hargreaves The Complete Book Of The Marine Aquarium, or Anthony Calfo & Bob Fenner Reef Invertebrates, An Essential Guide to Selection, Care and Compatibility and visiting the websites mentioned. These books and websites will greatly help you understand the conditions that bring about or sustain these growths and further ways to control or eradicate them. - Bob

GREEN

Caulerpa

Hair Algae

Bubble Algae

Turf Algae

Calcareous Algae

Microalgae

Brown

Diatoms

"Y" Branch Algae

Scroll Algae

SeaWeed/Kelp

Saucer Leaf Algae

Red

Spikeweed

Red Grape Algae (Rarely seen)

Red Filamentous Algae

Boneweed/Thicket Algae

Red Hair/Kelp/Wire Algae

Red Macroalgae/Lettuce

Hookweed

Red Bulb Algae

Red Dictyota

Calcareous/Coralline spp.

Slime Alga/Cyanobacteria

Other Higher Plants

Mangroves

Shoal Grass

Paddle Weed/Midrib Seagrass

Manatee Grass

Turtlegrass

Eel Grass

Biological Control Species

Please note that clicking these links will take you to a species profile for each control species. To return to this page you will need to click the back arrow on your browser after clicking any of the links below.

Fish

Surgeonfishes

Blennies

Rabbitfish

Angelfish

Gobies

Invertebrates

Crabs

Hermits

Sea Hares

Slugs

Snails

Conch

Limpets

Urchins