PORT PHILLIP BAY


Sea Lettuce 

Ulva lactuca

View scientific description and taxonomy

General Description

Lobed, smooth, broad and thin, flattened surface (sheet-like) as a single frond arising from holdfast. Holdfast at base is small with root-like (rhizoidal) extensions in lower cells. Grass green. Up to 15 cm long (thallus).

Biology

This green alga often grows on invertebrates and other algae/seagrass species. It is less common than other Ulva species. High numbers of this species form blooms seasonally and in areas of high nutrients such as near stormwater, stream run-off and sewerage outfalls.

Habitat

Intertidal and subtidal rocky reefs, common in shallow waters, to depth of 6 m.

Reefs

Coastal shores

Distribution guide

Worldwide.

Species Group

Seaweeds and seagrasses Green algae

Depth

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

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

15 cm

Diet

Photosynthetic - sunlight

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Recorded in Australia

Identify

Conservation Status

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

Author

article author Pocklington, Jacqui

Jacqui Pocklington is a Research Associate with expertise in algal taxonomy.

citation

Cite this page as:
Pocklington, Jacqui, 2011, Sea Lettuce, Ulva lactuca, in Taxonomic Toolkit for marine life of Port Phillip Bay, Museum Victoria, accessed 06 Jun 2025, http://136.154.202.208:8098/species/11147

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