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Turf Algae
Various genera
Chromista›Ochrophyta›Phaeophyceae›Chlorophyta / Rhodophyta
📍 Worldwide on tropical reef flats and crests
A dense mat of mixed short filamentous algae — the dominant algae type on wave-swept reef flats in nature. In captivity it traps detritus and is extremely difficult to manually remove. Sea urchins (Diadema, Tuxedo) and tangs are the most effective grazers. Consider a manual scraping plus herbivore-stocking approach.
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Quick Facts
- note
- very difficult to eradicate once established
- role
- nuisance
- control
- Sea Urchins (Diadema, Tuxedo), tangs, manual scraping, reduce nutrients
Water it likes
- ph
- 8.1–8.4
- hardness
- 8–12 dKH
- 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Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date.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.