General Description

Long, straight, flattened central stalk (stipe) with wide, flattened fronds branching outward from either side (alternate). Blades with wrinkled appearance (longitudinally corrugated). Holdfast at base is simple with a few supporting roots (haptera). Tan to dark brown. Up to 2 m long (thallus).

Biology

This is the most common canopy-forming kelp species in Victoria. The deeper occurring specimens of this alga are found in rough waters.

Habitat

Subtidal rocky reefs, common in shallow waters with moderate wave action, to depth of 44 m.

Reefs

Distribution guide

Southern Australia.

Species Group

Seaweeds and seagrasses › Brown algae

Depth

Shallow (1-30 m)
Deep ( > 30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

2 m

Diet

Photosynthetic - sunlight

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Native to Australia

Identify

• Seaweeds and seagrasses

Conservation Status

• DSE Advisory List : Not listed
• EPBC Act 1999 : Not listed
• IUCN Red List : Not listed