Black Beard Algae

I get what looks like black beard algae on my java fern - but it's never spread to anything else or worsened. I just glide my fingers softly over each leaf at the weekly water change to remove as much of it as possible. I could use a toothbrush but find fingers easier for this particular type of algae and plant, to avoid damaging the leaves. I could do this more often but don't find it particularly unsightly.

Not sure if that helps or not.