Did my Ulva go sexual?

[Moomee]

I added some Ulva to my sump fuge and it has generally done very poorly. However, a few weeks ago I start noticing green specs on the back glass of the display. Over time I realized that they are tiny Ulva! Assuming this is the case, I didn't realize that ulva would "Stick" to things to grow.

 

[Dan_P]

I added some Ulva to my sump fuge and it has generally done very poorly. However, a few weeks ago I start noticing green specs on the back glass of the display. Over time I realized that they are tiny Ulva! Assuming this is the case, I didn't realize that ulva would "Stick" to things to grow.

Yes, you got it right. Ulva can sexually reproduce and result in attached seaweed. Mine has gotten rather randy for some reason and regularly clouds the water, bur the “babies” don’t have a chance with 15 large Mexican turbo snails. Occassionaly one these brutes will have a small Ulva on its shell.

 

[Moomee]

Yes, you got it right. Ulva can sexually reproduce and result in attached seaweed. Mine has gotten rather randy for some reason and regularly clouds the water, bur the “babies” don’t have a chance with 15 large Mexican turbo snails. Occassionaly one these brutes will have a small Ulva on its shell.

Will it detach and float at some point or just continue to grow attached?

 

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Will it detach and float at some point or just continue to grow attached?

It should stay attached unless something removes it by force- fish picking at it, high flow hitting it and it not having a great grip, etc. -Raven

 

[Dan_P]

Will it detach and float at some point or just continue to grow attached?

I think it stays attached until it rips away from the rhizomes, though what’s left behind should grow. I never read too deeply about its lifecycle.

 

[WheatToast]

If I recall correctly, Ulva releases spores when it’s stressed (ex. under low nutrients).
Here in California, we usually find Ulva floating around in the current, but some species like Ulva californica and Ulva intestinalis are more commonly found with a holdfast (attached to rocks).