Something growing on the LR

[ssunthar]

Hi Experts,

Seeing some kind of growth on the LR..

Dont remember seeing it there in the past.. any suggestions if those are ok or harmful.. and to keep or discard?

Thanks.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Looks like coraline

 

[WheatToast]

Looks like coraline

Though unusually thick and spotty. I have some of that growth (and no, they’re not eggs).

 

[vetteguy53081]

Better pic. Looks like what is known as lobophora which is a reddish/brown semi rigid but slippery algae. Often confused with plating coralline, the rubbery feel is a give away if you don't want to use scientific methods to determine the id. Can be highly variable both in color and in formation. Can be red and can grow in saucer like shapes,
removal is somewhat difficult. Placing the rock in a dark environment is the best way. to beat this. A removal option would be a screwdriver, or a flexible knife like a putty blade to chip it off. Some cleaners such as emerald Crabs , Chitons, Limpets, and opin cushion urchins, will pick away at it but not remove it

 

[WheatToast]

Better pic. Looks like what is known as lobophora which is a reddish/brown semi rigid but slippery algae. Often confused with plating coralline, the rubbery feel is a give away if you don't want to use scientific methods to determine the id. Can be highly variable both in color and in formation. Can be red and can grow in saucer like shapes,
removal is somewhat difficult. Placing the rock in a dark environment is the best way. to beat this. A removal option would be a screwdriver, or a flexible knife like a putty blade to chip it off. Some cleaners such as emerald Crabs , Chitons, Limpets, and opin cushion urchins, will pick away at it but not remove it

But Lobohora lacks the spot-like “lumps” of OP’s algae. Some Coralline does.

 

[ssunthar]

Better pic. Looks like what is known as lobophora which is a reddish/brown semi rigid but slippery algae. Often confused with plating coralline, the rubbery feel is a give away if you don't want to use scientific methods to determine the id. Can be highly variable both in color and in formation. Can be red and can grow in saucer like shapes,
removal is somewhat difficult. Placing the rock in a dark environment is the best way. to beat this. A removal option would be a screwdriver, or a flexible knife like a putty blade to chip it off. Some cleaners such as emerald Crabs , Chitons, Limpets, and opin cushion urchins, will pick away at it but not remove it

Thank you very much... so, is lobophora a bad thing?

 

[ssunthar]

But Lobohora lacks the spot-like “lumps” of OP’s algae. Some Coralline does.

Really hope mine is just coralline.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Thank you very much... so, is lobophora a bad thing?

No, just tough to deal with for removal if necessary.