Bryopsis

Bryopsis pennata, Bryopsis plumosa

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Species data

🟣 Bryopsis Algae (Feathery Green Algae)
Scientific Name: Bryopsis pennata, Bryopsis plumosa
Common Name: Bryopsis
Appearance: Dark green, feathery plumes rooted in rock crevices
Reef Safe: ❌ Highly invasive
Temperament: Aggressive and difficult to remove
Diet: Photosynthetic – but absorbs nutrients through roots too
Tank Role: Unwanted pest that outcompetes coral and is resistant to grazers

Description

🔍 Description:
Bryopsis is one of the most stubborn and dreaded nuisance algae in reef keeping. Unlike typical hair algae, it has a feather-like structure and forms dense patches that are hard to pull out. It spreads through fragmentation and root systems, making it difficult to remove manually.

It’s also highly resistant to most clean-up crew members and chemical treatments — requiring a multi-pronged approach for effective removal.

Why it Appears

✅ Why It Appears:

Unstable Nutrient Levels: Even in low-nutrient tanks

Poor Flow & Lighting Balance: Dead spots and old bulbs

Rock Infestation: Deep-rooted in porous rock

Transfer from Frags: Often introduced on coral plugs

Best Predator

🧽 Best Cleanup Crew for Bryopsis (Support Only):

Tuxedo Urchins – may eat new growth

Emerald Crabs – occasional interest

Turbo Snails – rarely, but can help in early stages

Manual Removal – followed by dosing

Notes

⚠️ Notes for Success:

Dose Fluconazole – often the most effective method

Avoid Fragmenting: Pulling it off spreads spores

Quarantine Frags: Prevent reintroduction

Track Nutrients: Especially phosphate limitation

Pro tip

🧠 Pro Tip:
Bryopsis is often misdiagnosed as hair algae. Look for feathered tips and deep roots. Once confirmed, treat fast and aggressively — it rarely disappears on its own.

Bryopsis

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Bryopsis

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