Algae?

[flooddc]

I have these things on my LR for a while now. It's looks like tiny roots. They don't really bother me much, but lately seem to be spreading a bit. I usually scrubbed them out with a toothbrush. Is it some kind of algae? Should I be concern down the road? Thanks

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10002234@N07/7456359014/in/photostream

[Incredible Corals]

Looks like hydroids. If that is what it is they can sting corals and spread under the right conditions. However, I have never had them spread but find the on my rock from time to time.

[davelin315]

Not seeing hydroids in the picture myself. They typically have a brown stalk with the fan out of the end of it versus what you're seeing. Can you get a better zoom in picture?

[flooddc]

They don't looks like hydroids. Let see if I can get a better zoom. I don't have one of those fancy Nikon or Cannon

[Origami]

Not seeing hydroids in the picture myself. They typically have a brown stalk with the fan out of the end of it versus what you're seeing. Can you get a better zoom in picture?

It was a hi-res picture on the site, Dave. Here's a zoom shot. Does this help?

 

[flooddc]

Something ate those "algae" in the last photo. Maybe the blue leg hermie.

Here is a better one at on a LR. Took a while to get a good shot. The yellow tang kept getting in the way.

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10002234@N07/7458026548/in/photostream

[davelin315]

Looks like they also grow in the dark and lack any sort of photosynthetic capabilities. I'm thinking that they are actually colonial foraminiferans with a bit of detritus stuck on them.

[flooddc]

Looks like they also grow in the dark and lack any sort of photosynthetic capabilities. I'm thinking that they are actually colonial foraminiferans with a bit of detritus stuck on them.

 

A brief education on "colonial foraminiferans" please. I don't see much about it on the Net.

[davelin315]

Foraminiferns are microscopic creatures that form tiny skeleton called a "test". The colonial ones grow like little trees without any leaves on them and are harmless. They grow in the tank and filter feed but often get silt and other stuff stuck to them so have the appearance of tiny trees with moss hanging from them, kind of like what you've got there. Not positive on the ID, but that's what they seem to be to me.

[flooddc]

Thanks Dave,

I found some on the Net after all. I miss-spelled it, dud!. Appears to resemble what I have. I guessed I just go with that for now. Thanks

http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/sci/A0819130.htmlhttp://reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-07/rs/index.php