Grape like formation on live rock!!!

Not sure if this is the correct thread or not. But I am concern. There is a 3 purple like ball cluster on top of one of my live rock. And it grew to about, well, grape size! It is also hard. What is it and should I be concern?

 

Sounds like valonia (a.k.a. bubble algae). It can become a nuisance under the right conditions. Assuming it is, to remove it, carefully twist each bubble until it becomes detached from the rock. Try not to pop the bubbles while you do this.

 

I agree with amcarrig.. sounds like valonia. I have it too.

 

I saw a picture on the thread... It is green. Can I assume that not all Valonia's are purple? Also the picture seems to give the impression that they are soft.

 

They are green but sometimes, they get a "hazy" appearance to them that can make them look dark green, black and sometimes purple. Valonia only becomes "soft" when and if you pop it because the bubbles are full of water and spores.

 

Valonia is green...Botryocladia is purple. Botryocladia is commonly called Sea Grapes so your thread title is appropriate. However, the removal procedures are the same.

 

I agree with Inwall75 http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-02/hcj/feature/index.php

 

Yup, sounds right...if there are only a few wait untill they are big enough to grab easily with ur hand...then just pop em off ...if they pop....ugh u will have alot of grapes...i do lol

 

just try to carefully pull them out without popping them if they pop the spores will spread and it will show up other places