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While researching Kelp, I ran across a paper that linked to what I thought would be a helpfull website in selecting the proper fish species for specific algae species control. So in keeping with what should be proper/natural control of algae within a display tank while allowing a macroalgae refugium or turf algae scrubber to do all the work, this webpage ought to be of help.
http://www.incofish.org/herbitool.php
Chuck
Seaweeds preferred by herbivorous fishes - G. Tolentino-Pablico & N. Bailly & R. Froese & C. Elloran - Journal of applied phycology Nov. 2007
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Extremely useful site, Chuck. I'm going to change the title and stick it at the top.
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Eric Borneman
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So I will have to research the type of algae I have or bacteria growing in tank and relate to what part of the world is most present, or are we talking in our fuge like I use cheato? Or better yet can you explain the selections related to topic to pick from to do research
Thanks.
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| For algae, one must know what one has in order to try and select the herbivores that are capable of consuming it. Each algae species create and have chemical defenses against being eaten by herbivores or reduces the amount a single herbivore will consume at one time. Over the eons of evolution herbivores have had to develop the means in which to get around or tolerate such defenses which has created a balance (which is all to easily upset now) of each algae having a few specific herbivores being able to consume them without being put in danger of extinction by having all herbivores being able to consume them or consume them all at one "sitting". I would love to be able to list out what algae species is consumed by specific herbiores but with thousands upon thousands of algae species and a great many herbivores (fish, slugs, snails etc.) it still leaves a huge amount of information to be learned. Which is why anytime I find such information, I hang onto it and pass it along as there is not a great deal we know of concerning what will eat what. Its getting better though., little by little. Chuck
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| Attached pictures are of some greenish-reddish-brownish algae that forms short straps about 2mm wide, sometimes with side branches, and spreading to form a thick turf. It's getting a little out of hand now. The tuxedo urchin doesn't seem to touch it at all, nor the single margarita snail. I also have blue hermits and a red hermit. Lots of Stomatellas, too. And some tiny snails from the live rock. Any ideas for an appropriate herbivore?
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Doug G (2/2/2009)
Attached pictures are of some greenish-reddish-brownish algae that forms short straps about 2mm wide, sometimes with side branches, and spreading to form a thick turf. It's getting a little out of hand now.Hi Doug, I'm very familiar with that type of alage as it forms very dense, thick mats in the macroalgae flats, so thick that the lower, shaded areas turn almost black yet are an incredible habitat unto their own, countless creatures can be found by simply shaking out a handfull of it. Which I see that your worms also find it a good place to hide and scavenge. I believe what you have is either a Dictyota species, or possibly a Galaxaura spp. The tuxedo urchin doesn't seem to touch it at all, nor the single margarita snail. I also have blue hermits and a red hermit. Lots of Stomatellas, too. And some tiny snails from the live rock. Any ideas for an appropriate herbivore? I've had the above species of algae decimated by my two tangs (brown scopas & blue hippo) and would give them a try if your tank is large enough. The herbivores you mention above usualy only feed upon the green algae species while the sea urchins will almost always prefer to graze a hard surface and will not get up onto a "bush", although the Diadema (black, long spined) may have a good shot at it as they are the only urchin species I've seen take on the taller algae species. Chuck
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Hi Chuck:
It's not Dictyota (a brown algae, this is a red), and I don't think it's Galaxaura (lack of fuzz, segments, or clear holdfast). If I had to guess, I think its Gelideopsis (stiff, tough, wiry, forms mats tufts or dense clumps, dark red, green or purple, branching somewhat, basal runners creeping, branches cylindrical at base sometimes becoming flattened to palmate at ends. (Littler and Littler, S. Pacific Reef Plants, p. 106).
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| Darn, and I was going to suggest that species also, which would exclude the tangs. I think I would have to manualy trim it down as close to the substrate as possible and place some urchins on or nearby in the hopes they will take care of any holdfasts, that or take the rocks out and scrub the trimmed area with a small wire brush outside the tank in a tub/bucket of tank water, rinse well and toss out the used tank water and top off the tank with new saltwater. Chuck
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| Youch, sounds bad, though a good habitat for bristleworms and amphipods. A lot come out at night. But it seems to be overgrowing and negatively affecting the Pocillopora and branched Montipora somewhat. Too small for tangs anyhow, 20 gallons. I added Astraeas and Nerites, but I expect they won't get it. Things are too grown together to remove I believe, so will have to crop it myself with some scissors now and again. With any luck, it will stop doing so well. I had some Bryopsis start up, then just disappear, so maybe that will happen....
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| And thanks for the replies. The coloration looks like googled pics of the Gelideopsis, dark purplish, but greenish as well in places, as well as the general shape and size. I will research the Diadema urchin a bit, though seems a bit large. Small tank for two big urchins!
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