This is the question that is always asked by most aquarists. Although the two types of algae look so similar in appearance, they have different structures. BBA, on the other hand, is identified from its single silky and smooth strands that flow like human hair. You can easily identify staghorn algae by looking at its branching and wiry strands. The two are completely different even though they are both different forms of algae.ĭrawing a clear line between the two is very important especially when it comes to controlling them. More often than not, aquarium hobbyists or other people confuse the black beard algae with staghorn algae. That type of negligence can cost you a fortune by the time you realize that your fish tank needs to get cleaned up. In fact, you should never leave these algae to spread and cover all the surfaces within the aquarium. The sight of the BBA in the aquarium is not something to behold. When not checked at the right time, they may spread to cover the entire leaf surface. If you are not careful, you may mistake it for some hair in your fish tank.īlack beard algae grow on the edges of aquarium plant leaves where they can be seen in small spots. In a matter of days, it will turn from tiny spots of what looks like fuzzy stubble to flowing manes of dark hair. But in this case, the “stubble” seem to be growing on the surfaces of leaves or branches in the aquarium.Īs time goes by, you will see a tremendous change in the manner with which the BBA grows. Every picture you will come across of the BBA will give you an impression of growing stubble. Perhaps that explains how this type of algae got its common name. When you look at an image of the black beard algae at the onset of its growth, it looks much the same as tiny spots of stubble. Sometimes it is referred to as black brush algae because of how it grows in the aquarium environment.
If not controlled in time, BBA can develop into a very long flowing black beard. It appears more or less the same as black stubble. How do You Identify Black Beard Algae?įrom its name, you can guess how black beard algae looks. The most common tank fish that consume different types of algae (including BBA) is the Florida Flag Fish and Siamese Algae Eater. The algae are not harmful as such because some fish feed on it. Due to this stubborn behavior, it becomes extremely difficult to get rid of BBA by hand. You can always find it clinging on hard surfaces in the aquarium or growing on plants. How can you describe it? The BBA is blackish-green in color compared to other red algae family members. In the aquarium, the BBA thrives mostly on tank plants and surfaces. When in its natural habitat, BBA appears as dense patches. BBA belongs to the red algae family in the plant kingdom. The name comes about due to its soft, slippery and furry nature. The black beard algae (BBA) are also known by the name of “brush algae”. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This page may contain affiliate links, which will earn us a commission.
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