General Description

Densely branched with numerous tufted fronds (adventitious branches or "tufts" arise without regular pattern). Fronds have branches arranged on each side of one axis (pinnate) with axes arranged in an even to alternate pattern. Branches have regular flexible joints (intergeniculum). Arises from crustose holdfast (calcium-carbonate encrusted). Medium-light grey-red. Up to 10 cm long (thallus).

Biology

Often grows on seagrasses and other algae, commonly on the seagrass Amphibolis antartica. It was formerly known as Haliptilon roseum.

Habitat

Tidal pools and subtidal rock reefs, also on large seagrasses and algae, exposed coasts, to depth of 10 m.

Reefs

Seagrass meadows

Coastal shores

Distribution guide

Worldwide.

Species Group

Seaweeds and seagrasses › Red algae

Depth

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

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

10 cm

Diet

Photosynthetic - sunlight

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Recorded in Australia

Identify

• Seaweeds and seagrasses

Conservation Status

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