Is this Black Coralline Algea?

[flyinhippie]

I haven't found much information in regards to Black Coralline Algae. Or even if it technically exists. I have had this in my tank for 5 or 6 yrs. It has gradually encrusted over one rock and has started to move on another, but this process has been years in the making. I actually don't mind it as I think it looks pretty cool and doesn't seem to be harming anything. It is hard to the touch and is very thick, not porous like a sponge might be.
I really don't feel that this is an issue at all. I just wanted to share this info as I haven't seen much on this topic. Has anyone seen something similar to this?

 

[flyinhippie]

I haven't found much information in regards to Black Coralline Algae.&nbsp; Or even if it technically exists.&nbsp; I have had this in my tank for 5 or 6 yrs.&nbsp; It has gradually encrusted over one rock&nbsp;and has started to move on another, but this process has been years in the making.&nbsp; I actually don't mind it as I think it looks pretty cool and doesn't seem to be&nbsp;harming anything.&nbsp; It is hard to the touch and is very thick, not porous like a sponge&nbsp;might be.<br>I really don't feel that this is an issue at all.&nbsp; I just wanted to share this info as I haven't seen much on this topic.&nbsp; Has anyone seen something similar to this?<br type="_moz">

 

[flyinhippie]

photos attached

Black coralline algae?

 

[cpayne015]

Would think sponge

 

[fishroomlady]

I was thinking at first by your description that it's perhaps a very deep purple but then the pic shows that it is black. I agree that it looks pretty cool. I've not seen black before but how you describe it doesn't sound like a sponge but kind of visually looks like one. Interested to see responses.

 

[FL_Reefer]

It looks like a sponge of some sort. There are inlet holes and coralline does not have that.

 

[Reefing Madness]

Looks like a fungus of some sort.

 

[Texas Reefer]

I love the blue/yellow fish in the first pic, what is it?

 

[classklown90]

It looks like a sponge of some sort. There are inlet holes and coralline does not have that.

+1 looks like a soonge

 

[Reef Pets]

Sponge

 

[FL_Reefer]

I love the blue/yellow fish in the first pic, what is it?

Sailfin tang / Red Sea

 

[760mason]

Black sponge. Some think its bad but I love any filter feeders. I have some in my tank it has not become a problem. If you want to discourage its growth turn the rock away from the light.

 

[mfinn]

I have some of the same in one of my tanks and it is sponge.

 

[classklown90]

It is only harmful in the sense that it can cover low corals like zoas and choke them out.

 

[evolved]

Encrusting sponge

 

[brandon85]

It can take over and suffocate corals, keep an eye on it.

 

[Carlson Moncrief]

Sailfin tang

 

[ethridge78]

sponge