ID Please

[vernonator]

These have been popping up on my live rock for the last couple of months with more and more frequency... They are well anchored and feel fleshy. They seem bland white w/ black speckles but have irredecent colors when viewed at the right angles. They are bout half the size of a dime and smaller. Any help to ID them would be greatly appreciated!

 

[MGDMIRAGE]

Are they mobile? They might be some sort of sponge if they are squishy.

 

[ajnweb]

I believe they are a type of bubble algae.

I think I have the same or similar algae, it does not pull off like regular green bubble algae, and it kind of feels slimy when you try to grab it and pull it off. Very tough to get a hold of without smashing it.

 

[estanoche]

I've got similar bubble algae in my tank - I lovingly call it "psychedelic bubble algae" - ha

Sometimes its dark purple, sometimes its purple with red spots, and when its about to die off it goes white with red spots - Adding a UV sterilizer is about the only thing I've found to keep it in check - nothing eats it, although I haven't tried hard to find something that does.

 

[vernonator]

Looking at it again while in the tank yesterday, it does look to be a bubble algae. bummer. Thanks to everyone for your help!

 

[frag_addict]

any updates?

 

[Herefishyfishy]

Botryocladia species