Black beard? Help please

[Something Fishy Here]

So I've noticed dark spots on my Java fern over the past week but had a busy week and didn't pay much attention. Today it looks like a hairy pirate. Never dealt with black beard algae before but I'm guessing this is it? Never had plants before either, did i bring it in on one? I don't see it on anything else in the tank, how do i get rid of it, just remove the plant? Has it already spread unseen?

 

[Deadeye]

Looks like those may actually be the roots of new sprouts - you can see some tiny leaves coming off of some of them.

 

[Something Fishy Here]

Oh is that how Java fern sprouts? Looks disgusting, lol

 

[Deadeye]

They grow by new ones popping off like that, once big enough you can manually remove it and plant elsewhere.

 

[Something Fishy Here]

Here's a few other shots, they are all on the underside or veined side of the plant.

 

[MetalRavioli]

Here's a few other shots, they are all on the underside or veined side of the plant. View attachment 1512565View attachment 1512566View attachment 1512567View attachment 1512568

Definitely little sprouts. You'll have many new little java ferns!

 

[Something Fishy Here]

Well that's a relief, I've heard enough about bba i was dreading a drawn out battle, but glad to they're so happy they're making babies

 

[Deadeye]

100% roots - as said, there will soon be many more!

 

[twentyleagues]

Well that's a relief, I've heard enough about bba i was dreading a drawn out battle, but glad to they're so happy they're making babies

A relief it's not bba. When java ferns are happy they grow larger by increasing the rhizome and growing new leaves. If the plant doesn't like the location or is other wise not happy it does this as a last chance to continue. The "parent" leaves will start to die and the baby plants will break free and hopefully be carried else where to grow in a more favorable location. If it's only 1 leaf that's not always a indication of it being unhappy but multiple leaves usually not good. I have a terrible time with standard Java ferns, needle leaf and trident I have better luck with for some reason.

 

[Something Fishy Here]

Ah OK, that makes more sense, thank you. He doesn't get a ton of sunlight there and the current kind of bunches his leaves together. Maybe he'll find a better spot or I'll try different plants down the road. But very interesting, thank you