Genus
Common name: Bubble Algae
Scientific name: Valoniopsis
Valoniopsis is a genus of green algae, commonly known as Bubble Algae or Sailor's Eyeballs, found in marine environments. These algae are characterized by their distinctive, large, spherical vesicles that can be quite invasive in reef aquariums. They are photosynthetic and can grow rapidly under optimal conditions, often outcompeting other algae for space and resources. While they can be aesthetically pleasing, their aggressive growth can be problematic for reef keepers. Mechanical removal is often necessary to keep their populations in check.