Freshwater aquarium algae

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Various examples of aquatic hitchhiking algae that may be found in freshwater aquaria Freshwater red macroalgae.jpg
Various examples of aquatic hitchhiking algae that may be found in freshwater aquaria

There are many types of algae that are commonly found in a freshwater aquarium setting. Species may be unintentionally disseminated through spores and fragments that hitchhike on ornamental fish and plants purchased from aquarium suppliers. [1] Algae is typically considered a nuisance and subject to removal through the use of algicides and the release of algae eaters. However, total elimination of algae is considered unlikely in a hobby aquarium.

Contents

Algae can be used as an bioindicator to inform an aquarist on water chemistry and other conditions. [2] Some species are intentionally cultivated within algae scrubbers. Few algae, such as marimo or red moss, are sought after for aquascaping in freshwater aquaria.

Green algae

"Green water" algae infestation Green water algae.png
"Green water" algae infestation

Green algae respond strongly to bright light conditions as well as unbalanced carbon dioxide and nutrient levels in the water of freshwater aquaria. [3]

Green spot algae (GSA), most likely of the genus Coleochaete , is a spot-forming algae that slowly covers glass, aquarium furniture, and plants. It adheres strongly and is considered difficult to remove. [4] It may be a symptom of low phosphate and carbon dioxide levels in the water. However, GSA is typically a sign of a healthy aquarium and is usually present in some capacity. [3]

Green dust algae (GDA) is similar to GSA, however it adheres less aggressively and may be easily wiped off of the glass and substrate on which it settles. The algae is motile and can actively move in the water. The species is not known, [5] though it is hypothesized to belong to the genus Chlamydomonas . [6] [ better source needed ] Infestations may occur after nitrogen spikes in the water. [5] It is often seen in newly established aquaria and can also be a symptom of low carbon dioxide and nutrient levels in the water. [3]

Green water is an algae infestation that is suspended in aquarium water. It does not settle on surfaces. They are typically of the genera Chlorella , Ankistrodesmus , and Scenedesmus . It is a very common infestation to have in newly established aquaria, but may also occur after temperature swings or nutrient imbalances. [7] Once established, altering the water chemistry will not remove the algae. Fishless cycling is considered the best solution. [8]

Filamentous green algae

Marimo "moss" balls are one of the few desired algae species in freshwater aquaria Galezatka kulista (Cladophora aegagropila).jpg
Marimo "moss" balls are one of the few desired algae species in freshwater aquaria
Shrimp predating upon filamentous green algae Alge unbekannt.jpg
Shrimp predating upon filamentous green algae

There are several species of green algae that grow long, thread-like appendages. There is much overlap in the common names of these infestations, and positive identifications are typically difficult to ascertain. [2]

Green thread algae comprise algae species that produce spindly filaments. It does not adhere to substrates, tending to instead grow in floating, bushy tufts. The filaments have a tendency to wrap around plants and aquarium furniture. It is a favorite of algivores such as Amano shrimp. [9] There are several species which are referred to as green thread algae. This includes those of the genus Rhizoclonium which form pale-green to brown strands, those of the genus Spirogyra which form long green strands, and those of the genus Oedogonium which form short green strands. However, there may be thousands of species of algae with this growth form, and an identification is rarely certain. [10] Green thread algae is common in newly established aquaria and is easily outcompeted by installed plants. [9]

Hair algae is very similar to green thread algae. Typically, hair algae grows in a carpet of dense, short filaments. Oedogonium in particular may be referred to as hair algae. Hair algae may be caused by too much light in the aquaria. [11] Oedogonium may also be called fuzz algae and green beard algae (GBA). [3]

Reticulated algae or branching algae is a green algae of the genus Cladophora . It may form dense tufts of branching green strands. It spreads in the hobby aquaria trade through fragments disseminated on contaminated aquarium plants. It is very difficult to remove once established, and algivores do not prefer it. Algicides are the most effective solution. [12] It may grow in association with marimo, an algal ball which is intentionally cultivated in hobby aquaria. Cladophora may also be referred to as "blanket weed". [3]

Red algae

Black beard algae growing amongst installed plants in a freshwater aquarium Black beard algae.png
Black beard algae growing amongst installed plants in a freshwater aquarium

Red algae of the Rhodophyceae are common in a freshwater aquarium setting. Despite the name, red algae species usually present as a grayish color. [2] Zhan et al. (2020), using DNA barcoding, found 13 different operational taxonomic units of red algae growing within freshwater aquarium stores in Taiwan. [1] [lower-alpha 1]

Staghorn algae of the genus Compsopogon may exist on aquarium substrates and can be epiphytic on slow-growing plants. [2] It can form branched, whitish-green strands up to six inches in length. It grows quickly and may be a symptom of high nitrates or high iron. [13]

Black beard algae or black brush algae (referred to as BBA) belong to the genera Audouinella and Rhodochorton . It grows in the same habit as staghorn algae. [14] BBA, however, tends to grow in dense patches of fine strands. It may be a symptom of high levels of nitrates, phosphates, or iron. [15] It is considered one of the more difficult species to remove, and the plants may uptake calcium from hard water which makes them unpalatable to algivores. [3] BBA may occur in both saltwater and freshwater aquaria. [16]

Red spot algae may form a tenacious reddish-brown splotch or film on aquarium glass or plant leaves. It grows quickly and may be a symptom of high nitrates or iron. [17] These encrusting red algae may be referred to as a member of the genus Hildenbrandia . It is not especially common. [18]

Species in the genus Caloglossa , specifically C. beccarii and C. fluviatilis , are available from commercial aquarium dealers. [19] Caloglossa cf. beccarii in particular is one of the few species of algae that is deliberately planted in freshwater aquaria. The species has been in the European aquarium trade since the 1990s. [20]

Blue-green algae

Blue green algae growing on the substrate of a fresh water aquarium Blue green algae.png
Blue green algae growing on the substrate of a fresh water aquarium

Although colloquially called algae, blue-green algae (BGA) is a type of cyanobacteria. It can present with several different colors. While there are many BGA species, the most common type found in aquaria is referred to as "slime algae". Infestations may attach to aquarium glass and substrates. It may commonly be of the genus Oscillatoria . [21] Species from the genera Anabaena , Aphanizomenon , and Microcystis may also be found in aquaria. [22] BGA infestations may be caused by stagnant water and high water temperatures, as well as high levels of phosphates combined with low levels of oxygen in the water. [23]

Brown algae

In aquaria, brown algae refers to diatom infestations. True brown algae of the class Phaeophyceae are not known nuisance plants of freshwater aquaria. Diatoms can coat every surface in an aquarium. [24] Diatom infestations are ubiquitous in hobby aquaria, and eradication is not usually worth the effort. [25] It has two growth forms - it may create either a slick brown surface or form small brown filaments. It thrives on excess ammonia or silicates. [3]

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Species observed by Zhan et al. (2020) include Caloglossa beccarii , Compsopogon caeruleus , Kumanoa mahlacensis , Montagnia macrospora , Nemalionopsis shawii , Sheathia dispersa , Thorea gaudichaudii , and Thorea hispida . Five undetermined species in the genus Thorea were also found, likely indicating a cryptic species complex. [1]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marimo</span> Species of algae

Marimo is a rare growth form of Aegagropila linnaei in which the algae grow into large green balls with a velvety appearance.

<i>Cladophora</i> Genus of filamentous green algae

Cladophora is a genus of reticulated filamentous green algae in the class Ulvophyceae. They may be referred to as reticulated algae, branching algae, or blanket weed. The genus has a worldwide distribution and is harvested for use as a food and medicine.

Community aquaria are tanks that are designed to contain more than one species of fish. Most commonly they include a variety of species that do not normally occur together in nature, for example angelfish from Brazil, swordtails from Mexico, and gouramis from South East Asia. The aim of such communities is to bring together fish that are compatible in temperament and water requirements, while using their different colours and behaviors to add interest and entertainment value.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aquascaping</span> Craft of designing and planting aquariums

Aquascaping is the craft of arranging aquatic plants, as well as rocks, stones, cavework, or driftwood, in an aesthetically pleasing manner within an aquarium—in effect, gardening under water. Aquascape designs include a number of distinct styles, including the garden-like Dutch style and the Japanese-inspired nature style. Typically, an aquascape houses fish as well as plants, although it is possible to create an aquascape with plants only, or with rockwork or other hardscape and no plants.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fishkeeping</span> Practice of containing fish

Fishkeeping is a popular hobby, practiced by aquarists, concerned with keeping fish in a home aquarium or garden pond. There is also a piscicultural fishkeeping industry, serving as a branch of agriculture.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Substrate (aquarium)</span>

The substrate of an aquarium refers to the material used on the tank bottom. It can affect water chemistry, filtration, and the well-being of the aquarium's inhabitants and is also an important part of the aquarium's aesthetic appeal. The appropriate substrate depends on the type of aquarium; the most important parameter is whether the aquarium contains fresh water or saltwater.

<i>Cabomba</i> Genus of aquatic plants

Cabomba is an aquatic plant genus, one of two belonging to the family Cabombaceae. It has divided submerged leaves in the shape of a fan and is much favoured by aquarists as an ornamental and oxygenating plant for fish tanks. One species, Cabomba caroliniana, is a nationally declared weed in Australia, where it has choked up waterways after escaping from aquaria.

<i>Audouinella</i> Genus of algae

Audouinella, also known as black algae, is a widespread genus of red algae, found in marine and freshwater environments.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oedogoniaceae</span> Family of algae

The Oedogoniales are an order of filamentous freshwater green algae of the class Chlorophyceae. The order is well-defined and has several unique features, including asexual reproduction with zoospores that possess stephanokont flagella: numerous short flagella arranged in a subapical whorl. The oedogoniales have a highly specialized type of oogamy, and an elaborate method of cell division which results in the accumulation of apical caps.

Algae eater or algivore is a common name for any bottom-dwelling or filter-feeding aquatic animal species that specialize in feeding on algae and phytoplanktons. Algae eaters are important for the fishkeeping hobby and many are commonly kept by aquarium hobbyists to improve water quality. They are also important primary consumers that relay the biomass and energy from photosynthetic autotrophes up into the food web, as well as protecting the aquatic ecosystem against algae blooms.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aquarium filter</span>

Aquarium filters are critical components of both freshwater and marine aquaria. Aquarium filters remove physical and soluble chemical waste products from aquaria, simplifying maintenance. Furthermore, aquarium filters are necessary to support life as aquaria are relatively small, closed volumes of water compared to the natural environment of most fish.

<i>Ceratophyllum demersum</i> Species of plant

Ceratophyllum demersum, commonly known as hornwort, rigid hornwort, coontail, or coon's tail, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Ceratophyllum. It is a submerged, free-floating aquatic plant, with a cosmopolitan distribution, native to all continents except Antarctica. It is a harmful weed introduced in New Zealand. It is also a popular aquarium plant. Its genome has been sequenced to study angiosperm evolution.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aquarium</span> Transparent tank of water for fish and water-dwelling species

An aquarium is a vivarium of any size having at least one transparent side in which aquatic plants or animals are kept and displayed. Fishkeepers use aquaria to keep fish, invertebrates, amphibians, aquatic reptiles, such as turtles, and aquatic plants. The term aquarium, coined by English naturalist Philip Henry Gosse, combines the Latin root aqua, meaning 'water', with the suffix -arium, meaning 'a place for relating to'.

<i>Compsopogon</i> Genus of algae

Compsopogon caeruleus, known as staghorn algae, is a species of red algae that lives in fresh water. It is a common nuisance in freshwater aquaria. It is the only species in the genus Compsopogon and the only representative of the family Compsopogonaceae. It is found in North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australasia and Oceania. Compsopogon can tolerate a wide range of conditions in freshwater streams and occasionally in brackish lagoons and estuaries. It propagates by asexual spores.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Algae scrubber</span> Biological water filter

An algae scrubber is a water filtering device which uses light to grow algae; in this process, undesirable chemicals are removed from the water. Algae scrubbers allow hobbyists to operate their saltwater or freshwater tanks or ponds using natural filtration based on primary production, much as occurs in oceans and lakes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arrow goby</span> Species of fish

The arrow goby is a species of goby native to marine and brackish waters of the Pacific coast of North America from British Columbia to Baja California. This species grows to a length of 6.4 centimetres (2.5 in) SL, though most do not exceed 4.2 centimetres (1.7 in) TL. This fish can also be found displayed in public aquaria. This species is the only known member of its genus.

<i>Fontinalis antipyretica</i> Species of aquatic moss

Fontinalis antipyretica, greater water-moss, or common water moss, is a species of submerged aquatic moss belonging to the subclass Bryidae. It is found in both still and flowing freshwater in Europe, Asia, Greenland and Africa. In North America it is found in most Canadian provinces with a seaboard and most US states except the most southern.

<i>Caloglossa</i> Genus of algae

Caloglossa is a genus of algae in the Delesseriaceae.

<i>Caloglossa beccarii</i> Species of algae

Caloglossa beccarii, known as red moss, is a species of algae that may live in freshwater or brackish environments. It is found in the aquarium trade.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Zhan, Shing Hei; Hsieh, Tsai-Yin; Yeh, Lan-Wei; Kuo, Ting-Chun; Suda, Shoichiro; Liu, Shao-Lun (March 2021). "Hidden introductions of freshwater red algae via the aquarium trade exposed by DNA barcodes". Environmental DNA. 3 (2): 481–491. doi:10.1002/edn3.139. ISSN   2637-4943 . Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Algae in the aquarium". Aquasabi. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "The Ultimate Algae Guide". Green Aqua. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  4. ↑ "Green spot algae (GSA)". Aquasabi. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  5. 1 2 "Green dust algae (GDA)". Aquasabi. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  6. ↑ "Green Dust Algae". The Planted Tank Forum. 26 December 2013. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  7. ↑ "Green water". Aquasabi. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  8. ↑ "16.7. Aquarium Green Water". Aquarium Science. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  9. 1 2 "Green thread algae". Aquasabi. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  10. ↑ "16.3. Thread Algae". Aquarium Science. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  11. ↑ "Hair algae". Aquasabi. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  12. ↑ "Cladophora sp. Algae". Aquasabi. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  13. ↑ "16.6. Staghorn Algae". Aquarium Science. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  14. ↑ "Black beard algae (BBA)". Aquasabi. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  15. ↑ "16.5. Black Beard Algae". Aquarium Science. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  16. ↑ Sterling, Ian. "Aquarium Algae Types: How to Identify and Control". fishlab.com.
  17. ↑ "16.12. Red Spot Algae". Aquarium Science. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  18. ↑ Castellanos, Ricardo. "Krusten-Rotalgen im Aquarium". Garnelenhaus (in German). Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  19. ↑ Kamiya, Mitsunobu; West, John A.; Karsten, Ulf; Ganesan, E. K. (November 2016). "Molecular and morphological delineation of Caloglossa beccarii and related species (Delesseriaceae, Rhodophyta)". Phycologia. 55 (6): 640–649. Bibcode:2016Phyco..55..640K. doi:10.2216/16-19.1. ISSN   0031-8884 . Retrieved 29 August 2024.
  20. ↑ "Caloglossa cf. beccarii". Flowgrow. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
  21. ↑ "Blue-green algae (BGA)". Aquasabi. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  22. ↑ "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Algae in a Fishtank". Buce Plant. 6 March 2017. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
  23. ↑ "16.4. Blue-Green Algae". Aquarium Science. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  24. ↑ "Brown algae (Diatoms)". Aquasabi. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  25. ↑ "16.8. Brown Algae". Aquarium Science. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
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