Types and Kinds of Algae

Many pond and fish tank owners view algae as the weeds of the underwater world. Algae can look very unattractive, but different types clean and filter water much like their land-dwelling counterparts, the average green plant, which filters air. Algae also acts as food for some herbivore and omnivore fish.

  1. Rhodophytes (Red Algae)

    • Black brush algae, or beard algae, grows in the form of small tufts of dark moss, green or black, but can thicken to the extent that it develops a carpet-like texture. This algae attaches itself to slow-growing plants, stones and gravel. This algae, which can be difficult or impossible to remove, is food to the Siamensis fish. Its blue, grey and green color; slimy texture and stringy tendrils identify the staghorn algae. It grows mostly in light and takes its name from a stag's horn because of its long, horn-like appearance. You must manage and remove staghorn algae manually in fish tanks and ponds.

    Chlorophyta (Green algae)

    • You will find green spot algae in fish tanks and aquariums. It coats the walls of the tanks in a transparent green sludge. This type of algae is one of the most annoying for aquarium owners, as it ruins the beauty of the tank. It affects slow-\ growing plants, and you must remove it manually with a sharp tool. Fish don't eat it because it firmly attaches to surfaces. Green thread algae, or hair algae, is one of the fastest growing algae. Its long, hair-like strands attach themselves to their surroundings. It is a rich, vibrant green and is food to shrimps and other algae-eating organisms. Fish owners sometimes use green water algae as food for newborn fish as small organisms can ingest this nutrient easily. Single celled, green water algae inhabits the water, making it a murky, green shade. You will also find it in ponds and unfiltered aquariums.

    Cyanobacteria

    • Many view blue green algae as another type of algae, but is in a bacteria, characterized by thick, slimy, dark layers. It grows under rocks and can become carpet-like, covering the floor of an aquarium. It has an unpleasant odor and you must remove it manually. A change of water conditions prohibits it, but it will grow back if these conditions remain the same.

    Chrysophyta (Golden-brown Algae)

    • Sargassum algae dominates larger bodies of waters. Sargassum algae, found in lakes and the sea, is responsible for masses of the earth's oxygen, which is a byproduct of its photosynthesis. Because of its vast, thick make-up, this particular algae becomes home to many other organism. Fish, crabs and snails all use the wiry, thick structure of sargassum algae as a habitat to hide and even lay eggs. This types of algae can destroy coral growth and looks unpleasant and overbearing.