PORT PHILLIP BAY


Green Seaweed 

Caulerpa cliftonii

View scientific description and taxonomy

Scientific Details

Somewhat similar to Caulerpa longifolia which has ramuli in distinctive rows. Can be confused with Caulerpa obscura which has unbranched ramuli and a coarse/spined stolon.

Main information sources:
Womersley, H.B.S., (1984-2003). The Marine Benthic Flora of Southern Australia. Part 1-3d. Govt. Printer, South Australia.
Baldock, R.N. 2010. Algae Revealed. South Australian State Herbarium. Website.
AlgaeBase. Website.

Taxonomy

Phylum:
Chlorophyta
Class:
Ulvophyceae
Order:
Bryopsidales
Family:
Caulerpaceae
Genus:
Caulerpa
Species:
cliftonii

General Description

Alga simple to several times branched (axes) in an irregular pattern. Branchlets (ramuli) are multibranched, arranged in an alternate pattern. Ramuli curve upwards and end in a point. Branches arise from naked rhizome (stolon). Dark green. Up to 22 cm long (thallus).

Biology

Tropical species of this genus are used for ornamental decoration in household aquariums.

Habitat

Shaded tidal pools and subtidal reef on rough water coasts, to depth of 50 m.

Reefs

Coastal shores

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

22 cm

Diet

Photosynthetic - sunlight

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Native to 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, Green Seaweed, Caulerpa cliftonii, in Taxonomic Toolkit for marine life of Port Phillip Bay, Museum Victoria, accessed 25 Feb 2025, http://136.154.202.208:8098/species/11280

Text: creative commons cc by licence