Valoniopsis pachynema

(G.Martens) Børgesen, 1934

Hair Algae

Range: Widespread in tropical seas, including the Gulf of California.

Natural Environment: Inhabits intertidal rocky areas where it forms small stiff, spongy mats of tangled filaments.

Aquarium Suitability: An undesirable aquarium species. Can quickly take over older, somewhat nutrient rich aquariums.

Potential Control Species: Fish: Acanthurus achilles, Acanthurus japonicus, Acanthurus leucosternon, Acanthurus lineatus, Acanthurus olivaceus, Acanthurus pyroferus, Ctenochaetus hawaiiensis, Ctenochaetus striatus, Naso brevirostris, Naso lituratus, Zebrasoma desjardinii, Zebrasoma flavescens, Zebrasoma scopas, Zebrasoma veliferum, Zebrasoma xanthurum, Siganus corallinus, Siganus guttatus, Siganus magnifica, and Siganus vulpinus

Crab: Mithrax sculptus

Urchins: Diadema setosum and Mespilia globulus

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Plantae

Phylum: Chlorophyta

Class: Ulvophyceae

Order: Cladophorales

Family: Valoniaceae

Genus: Valoniopsis