Cladophora

Care Summary

Cladophora (hair algae) is a common nuisance green alga that forms hair-like filaments on rocks and glass. It typically appears in response to excess nutrients (nitrate, phosphate) and inadequate flow. Control by improving water flow, reducing nutrients through better feeding practices and refugium macroalgae, and introducing herbivores such as sea urchins, Astrea snails, or emerald crabs. Unlike Bryopsis, Cladophora is generally controllable with herbivores and nutrient reduction. It is a sign rather than a cause of water quality issues.