Algae on clove polyps?

[CampAquarium]

Recently noticed what appears to be algae growth on the "stems" of my firework clove polyps. They are otherwise thriving, and I'm not having algae issues elsewhere in the tank, so it's a bit of a surprise. What's also odd to me is that the brown/fuzzy looking stuff stops at a pretty clear and solid line about 2/3 of the way up the "stem."

Am I correct that this is algae, or could it be something else? In either case, do I need to try to remove it? If so, how would you recommend?

 

[Soren]

Recently noticed what appears to be algae growth on the "stems" of my firework clove polyps. They are otherwise thriving, and I'm not having algae issues elsewhere in the tank, so it's a bit of a surprise. What's also odd to me is that the brown/fuzzy looking stuff stops at a pretty clear and solid line about 2/3 of the way up the "stem."

Am I correct that this is algae, or could it be something else? In either case, do I need to try to remove it? If so, how would you recommend?

It sure looks like algae. The separation line is due to the coral, like most soft corals as far as I understand, shedding a mucous layer to keep algae from taking over.
One of my toadstools (Sarcophyton sp.) has a similar line about an inch above where it attaches to the rock. There is a distinct line of separation between clean and covered with algae.

I would not worry about it unless the polyps become annoyed and close over a long period of time (more than a couple weeks).

Do you have any small-space algae cleaners, such as blue-leg hermit crabs?

 

[CampAquarium]

It sure looks like algae. The separation line is due to the coral, like most soft corals as far as I understand, shedding a mucous layer to keep algae from taking over.
One of my toadstools (Sarcophyton sp.) has a similar line about an inch above where it attaches to the rock. There is a distinct line of separation between clean and covered with algae.

I would not worry about it unless the polyps become annoyed and close over a long period of time (more than a couple weeks).

Do you have any small-space algae cleaners, such as blue-leg hermit crabs?

Super interesting. The separation line is so distinct and definitive! We do have blue-leg hermit crabs, but they are a bit older and are actually quite large now. Maybe it's time to pick up a new batch of small guys to help out.

 

[Soren]

Super interesting. The separation line is so distinct and definitive! We do have blue-leg hermit crabs, but they are a bit older and are actually quite large now. Maybe it's time to pick up a new batch of small guys to help out.

Yeah, I doubt it is much concern either way, but some small/tiny blue-leg hermits might help keep it clean if that is the only visible algae in your system.

Here is a picture I just took of my toadstool in my Work Desk 40B system that currently has most of the rocks covered in algae and some dinoflagellates. Note the same distinct separation line: