Bryopsis plumosa

(Hudson) C. Agardh, 1823

Hair Alga

Range: Tropical & Temperate Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Natural Environment: Wide spread in the wild and usually found in nutrient rich rook pools, shallow tidal flats, and protected intertidal areas with little water movement.

Aquarium Suitability: Often simply called 'hair grass' this unwanted aquarium species has a dark green feather-like appearance, and can reach a height of 5 inches (12.5 cm). Immediate removal of this species is highly recommended so as to keep it from spreading.

Potential Control Species: Fish: Acanthurus achilles, Acanthurus japonicus, Acanthurus leucosternon, , Acanthurus lineatus, Acanthurus olivaceus, Naso brevirostris, Naso lituratus, , Siganus corallinus, Siganus guttatus, Siganus magnificaand Siganus vulpinus

Crabs: Mithrax sculptus

Sea Hares: Aplysia californica

Sea Slugs: Elysia diomedea, Elysia ornata, Tridachia crispata

Snails: Trochus niloticus

Urchins: Diadema setosum

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Plantae

Phylum: Chlorophyta

Class: Ulvophyceae

Order: Bryopsidales

Family: Bryopsidaceae

Genus: Bryopsis

FYI: A similar species, B. hypnoides has irregular branching. (See Introduction to 'Hair-like Algae' for more specific information.)