Please help ID maroon clove like algae

[Drew D.]

So I've been having what appears to be a maroon clove like algae that started growing from the cracks of this rock. It's the only area I have it and it does not spread fast but it grows. The crazy thing is that it disappears whenever the lights are off. It retracts whenever I touch it with anything.

Got any ideas what I'm dealing with??

 

[Drew D.]

Anybody!?

 

[fishguy242]

Invasive clove/sympodium type of pest coral, can you just remove rock ?

 

[Drew D.]

I can, just wanted to make sure that approach would be beneficial.

 

[fishguy242]

Yes you don't want it spreading in reef, can try removing ,scrubbing in SW and rinsing before putting back see how that goes ?

 

[Drew D.]

Thanks, I was thinking it was algae but it's actually a pest coral and I don't want those problems. I'll try boiling the rock with a scrub and see what happens

 

[purpfish]

Thanks, I was thinking it was algae but it's actually a pest coral and I don't want those problems. I'll try boiling the rock with a scrub and see what happens

I believe boiling rock can be dangerous because it can aerosolize toxins or maybe I’m crazy lol

 

[Drew D.]

Don't know, I guess if I dont reply with the results then you'll know the toxins hit me

 

[purpfish]

Don't know, I guess if I dont reply with the results then you'll know the toxins hit me

lol, seriously tho pls be safe toxins are no joke

 

[Drew D.]

I'll probably just pluck off the frags and get rid of the rock. I hate to think the problem is gone then it shows up when I need it the least.

 

[fishguy242]

Agree ,DO NOT BOIL ,scrub,set outside for a few months,bleach,toss ,but do not boil !!