[boowho]

I have what looks like grape jelly on my live rock. I am assuming that it is algae but I am not sure. I noticed it last night and although there is not a ton but a noticable amount and looks as though it may have spread since last night. Can anyone help me out?

[Reefland]

Hi boowho,


Can you be more descriptive on the appearance? Is it raised or a flat mat? Hard or soft? Does it blow off with a little current? Is it really purple (like grape jelly) or more reddish/maroon?

[boowho]

Its flat, soft and doesn't blow off with a little current. Although I can scrape it off. Okay, maybe not so much purple, but , a brownish/maroon. It reminded me of grape jelly.

[Floyd]

Have you tried it with peanut butter?

[optical]

lol nice one floyd.
dont know what that stuff is. maybe cyanobacteria? dont take my advise though...im usually wrong.

[Reefland]

Humm, no ideas. Is there any way you can get a picture?

[lobophyllia]

i dont think its a good thing, because last time i got that stuff on my hammer coral, it died. but im not sure.

[boowho]

I think that optical is right. I think it is cyanobacteria, which isn't a horrible thing. Anyway, I have done a little research on it and was pleasantly surprised to find that most of it has been eaten by either my crabs or my peppermint shrimp. WHEW!!! I was a little worried about it.

[lobophyllia]

if your shrimp and crabs are eating it then it probably is cyanobacteria.

[BubbaWPB]

Dang! I wish my crabs and shrimp would eat what I want them to eat!