Is this turf algae?

[NatsRams]

I assume it is but want to be sure.

Thanks!

 

[Formulator]

Looks like it to me. Better that than hair algae. Most herbivores will eat turf algae pretty quickly. Do you have snails?

 

[NatsRams]

Yep, mostly trochus and ceriths. I’ve tried Mexican turbos but they never make it. I also have several emerald crabs, a bristletooth tang, a foxface, and a black spined urchin. I just ordered some tuxedo urchins because they supposedly feed on filamentous algae.

 

[Formulator]

Yep, mostly trochus and ceriths. I’ve tried Mexican turbos but they never make it. I also have several emerald crabs, a bristletooth tang, a foxface, and a black spined urchin. I just ordered some tuxedo urchins because they supposedly feed on filamentous algae.

A tuxedo urchin is a great idea. Too bad the turbos don’t do well for you - they are excellent lawn mowers. The other nice thing about turf, as I’m sure you noticed when you got that piece out into your hand, is that it tends to come off relatively easily and in manageable ‘chunks’, almost like grass sod. So, worst case scenario, manual removal isn’t too bad.