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Bubble Algae
Valonia ventricosa
Also known as Sailor's Eyeball, Green Bubble Algae
Plantae›Chlorophyta›Ulvophyceae›Siphonocladales›Valoniaceae
📍 Worldwide tropical reefs
Iridescent green spheres that appear harmless in small numbers but rapidly colonise rock if left unchecked. Emerald crabs are the most effective biological control. Do not pop bubbles — they release spores and worsen the outbreak. Manual removal requires extracting the entire holdfast; even fragments regrow.
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Quick Facts
- role
- nuisance
- control
- Emerald Crab, manual removal (do not pop), reduce phosphate
- warning
- do not crush or cut — releases spores
Water it likes
- ph
- 8.1–8.4
- hardness
- 8–18 dGH
- temperature
- 75–81°F (24–27°C)
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record for this species.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and locality and change over time — always confirm the current regulations with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping, or shipping this species.