General Description

This alga resembles a chunky pipe-cleaner, tapering at the tip. It has simple or irregularly branched alga with four subdivided branchlets (ramuli) arranged in close intervals along the main axis (easily seen in cross-section). Medium to dark green. Up to 40 cm long (thallus).

Biology

This alga is commonly found in rock pools and under canopies low on exposed rocky shores and can form sizeable beds. Tropical species of this genus are used for ornamental decoration in household aquariums.

Habitat

Low intertidal rocks just below low tide level, attached to rock/stone or jetty piles, to depth of 42 m.

Reefs

Coastal shores

Seagrass meadows

Distribution guide

Southern Australia.

Species Group

Seaweeds and seagrasses › Green algae

Depth

Shore (0-1 m)
Shallow (1-30 m)
Deep ( > 30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

40 cm

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