Can this kill my corals?

[kllyjansen]

Hey guys,
I have a little five gallon aquarium with 5+ lbs of live rock, a few pieces of coral, a hermit, two turbo snails, and a peppermint shrimp. This is my first saltwater aquarium so I am learning all kinds of new things.
Anyways, I have a plant or algae that sprouted from one of my live rocks. I really enjoy all the different life that came with the rocks, but this stuff has really started to branch out and is reaching for my corals. Can it strangle out and kill them? If it's bad, how do I get rid of it without removing the rock entirely?
It's the viney, leafy green stuff. It has already surrounded a small piece of hitchhiker coral and it's headed towards my briareum.

Thanks for any advice!
Kelly

 

[zshain012]

Idk what that is. I seen it in a pet store today and it didn't seem to bother the employees that it was in there.

 

[zshain012]

I called them, and it's a type of algae. It's neither harmful nor beneficial. So if you like the way it looks leave it there but if you don't take it out.

 

[kwpgrooming]

get rid of it. I had some hitchhike in on a piece of coral & took over my tank. Been fighting it for a year & still haven't killed it all. I did choke out some of my corals.

 

[zshain012]

Originally Posted by kwpgrooming
http:///forum/post/2849214
get rid of it. I had some hitchhike in on a piece of coral & took over my tank. Been fighting it for a year & still haven't killed it all. I did choke out some of my corals.
yea I figured it would. But I didn't know so I called the local fish store and apparently they didn't know either

 

[veni vidi vici]

It is a type of Caulerpa algae.Very invasive and a fast grower.
You can ID it here:http://www.saltcorner.com/sections/g.../algaepage.htm
It looks like Caulerpa mexicana to me.Either way if you pull it from tank do not flush it ,bag it and throw it in trash.This family of algae can cause havoc.