Bubble Algae

Valonia ventricosa

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Species data

🟢 Bubble Algae (Valonia Species)
Scientific Name: Valonia ventricosa, Ventricaria spp.
Common Name: Bubble Algae
Appearance: Smooth, shiny green bubbles attached to rock
Reef Safe: ❌ Invasive nuisance
Temperament: Fast-growing and opportunistic
Diet: Photosynthetic – thrives on light and nutrients
Tank Role: Unwanted pest – competes with coral and spreads easily

Description

🔍 Description:
Bubble algae are bright green, air-filled sacs that form in clusters across live rock and frag plugs. Though they may look attractive at first, these algae spread rapidly, grow in hard-to-reach crevices, and can smother coral and clog filtration systems.

Popping the bubbles manually can cause them to release spores and spread faster. Manual removal plus a specialized cleanup crew is the most effective strategy.

Why it Appears

✅ Why They Appear:

High Nutrients: Elevated phosphate/nitrate levels

Low Herbivore Pressure: Lack of proper grazers

Uncontrolled Lighting: Too much white spectrum or long photoperiod

Introduction via Frags or Rock: Often hitchhike into the tank

Best Predator

🧽 Best Cleanup Crew for Bubble Algae:

Emerald Crabs – one of the few known grazers of bubble algae

Scarlet Hermit Crabs – help clean around infested areas

Manual Removal – using tweezers during water changes

Notes

⚠️ Notes for Success:

Avoid Popping Bubbles: It spreads spores

Keep Nitrates & Phosphates Low: Target balanced nutrient control

Limit Frag Transfers: Quarantine and inspect all new corals

Pair With Strong Flow: Prevents buildup in dead zones

Pro tip

🧠 Pro Tip:
Not every Emerald Crab eats bubble algae — provide variety in the crew and combine with manual removal for best results.

Bubble Algae

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Emerald Crab. - Mythrax sculptus
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Bubble Algae

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Bubble Algae

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Emerald Crab. - Mythrax sculptus

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