Hard algae?

[ChasingFish]

Can someone help me out gere.here.. I'm not sure if this is algae, but it's kinda hard and crunchy in texture and seems to be attacking only this one plant in a heavy planted tank. I took it out in case it wants to spread, but I don't see it on any other plants.

 

[Byron]

Put the plant back (or wherever you want it), it is part of the plant. I think you mean the black/dark brown dots on the fronds (leaves, called fronds as this is a true fern) which are spores.

 

[ChasingFish]

Wow, interesting...so after it is done "sporing" do the leaves return to just the usual texture?

 

[Byron]

Wow, interesting...so after it is done "sporing" do the leaves return to just the usual texture?

I never noticed any changes. As best as I can remember, some leaves seemed to have rows of spores, others few or none. This is a low light plant, so make sure it is always in a shady spot. Floating plants do this very well. Otherwise it can become encrusted with black brush algae.