Awesome algae! What is this?

[MrClockOff]

Hi all

Recently I’ve noticed strange spiky hedgehogs alike algae growing on my bogwood. It definitely loves the light but not sure if the colouration is green because of dust algae over it? Looks awesome and I wonder what is that and how to keep it alive? See the pictures

 

[dw1305]

Hi all,

Looks awesome and I wonder what is that and how to keep it alive?

It does look awesome, but I have absolutely no idea what it is.

I'm pretty sure I've never seen anything quite like that. The chantransia form of Montagnia macrospora (a red algae) possibly look closest <"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/edn3.139">.

but not sure if the colouration is green because of dust algae over it?

I like the back-ground <"green patina"> as well.

cheers Darrel

 

[MrClockOff]

A little more development here. It’s getting better 😁

 

[Gill]

Could it be some form of freshwater sponge, doesn't look like algae to me. to rounded tips

 

[G H Nelson]

Nitella?

 

[dw1305]

Hi all,

It’s getting better

It is just gorgeous.

Could it be some form of freshwater sponge,

I wondered about that, but I couldn't find anything suitable. I've seen <"Spongilla lacustris - Wikipedia"> which is the right colour, but not the right shape.

doesn't look like algae to me. to rounded tips

It appears to show dichotomous branching, so possibly a Liverwort? or a Lichen, pretty sure I've never seen an aquatic one of either that looks anything like that.

Nitella?

I don't think so, but it has to be a possibility <"Nitella – microscopesandmonsters">.

cheers Darrel

 

[hydrophyte]

I wonder if this might be a very small leafy/scaly Liverwort. I have seen some develop in terrariums with such a fine texture they looked more like Green Algae.

 

[Andy Pierce]

Riccia fluitans?

 

[Bradders]

It certainly is an attractive form of algae!

 

[MrClockOff]

Love the way it’s waving in the flow 🥰
Texture is very soft and when it’s out of water looks like jelly ball. It grows from 1mm spot and branches into 1 - 2cm ball.