ID please?

[rain]

Hi everyone,

 

For a few weeks now I've noticed this dark maroon spiky thing growing slowly on top of a rock. It's pretty small, maybe just over a half an inch total in width now. It's softer, not hard, but doesn't retract if you poke at it. Any ideas what this is?

 

Thanks!

Rain

[arwndsh]

Its a macro algae of some kind.  Hopefully someone will chime in with species.

[rain]

Thanks!! Looking at macro algae, it kind of looks like the red Ogo but seems spikier/more pointy...

[Keraxis]

Love this.... "but doesn't retract if you poke at it"

[rain]

Lol.... My fancy detective work...

[Origami]

Red turf algae?

[greengalaxy]

Red turf algae?

 

+1. Looks like red turf, I would get some Mexican turbos if you don't have any.

[rain]

Hmm ok. It's growing super super slow and is on a rock near the surface. Should I just try the peroxide drops when I change the water? Read about that as one possible treatment to get rid of it.

[greengalaxy]

Hmm ok. It's growing super super slow and is on a rock near the surface. Should I just try the peroxide drops when I change the water? Read about that as one possible treatment to get rid of it.

 

I had some on my rocks too, but turbos started eating them up

[Steve175]

I wouldn't particularly treat or remove it. Benign and slow growing IME

[rain]

Yes it isn't exactly taking over anything at this point. I think I can keep an eye on it and then see what happens. Appreciate all the info and advice! As always now I'm much more informed.

[greengalaxy]

Good luck