Branches growing out of side of Favia

[MHTorringjan]

Hi, all,

I have a small single polyp favia that I’m trying to grow out and I’ve noticed these small, soft twig-like branches growing out of the side of the frag, seen below:

(Sorry for low quality pic, that’s the best my phone can do)

Anyone have an id for the little branches? It almost looks like a macro of some sort, but hard to tell. I’ve had hydroids before and this looks different, so I don’t think it’s that but if others think it is, let me know. I just know it’s getting bigger and longer, so would like to confirm it’s not harmful to my corals.

Thank you!

 

[LegalReefer]

Are the branches hard and solid? Could be vermetid snails, could be algae of some sort, could be lotsa things. Can you get a picture under white lights?

 

[Cell]

Need a white light pic. Does it react to touch?

 

[shakacuz]

it being soft could indicate algae. not sure which since its too blue/unfocused

 

[Reefkeepers Archive]

 

[MHTorringjan]

Sure, that’s a great suggestion, sorry! Here’s the white light picture:

With this lighting and angle, it looks like algae. It’s soft and doesn’t react to touch.

 

[shakacuz]

Sure, that’s a great suggestion, sorry! Here’s the white light picture:

With this lighting and angle, it looks like algae. It’s soft and doesn’t react to touch.

the dreaded bryopsis or similar type of algae.

 

[MHTorringjan]

the dreaded bryopsis or similar type of algae.

Aaaand *yoink* out it comes! Then again, I’ve already got hair algae, so how much worse can it be? (Famous last words)

 

[Reefkeepers Archive]

Aaaand *yoink* out it comes! Then again, I’ve already got hair algae, so how much worse can it be? (Famous last words)

Not that bad coming from me

Honestly hair algae has been outcompeting it in my system

 

[shakacuz]

Aaaand *yoink* out it comes! Then again, I’ve already got hair algae, so how much worse can it be? (Famous last words)

if you're careful enough, use hydrogen peroxide with a pipette around the areas (NOT on the coral) where the alleged bryopsis is. with a small brush you can then scrape it off, and inspect thoroughly for any outlying roots to avoid it from growing back. do this outside the tank in a different container