PORT PHILLIP BAY


Green Seaweed 

Caulerpa trifaria

View scientific description and taxonomy

Scientific Details

This species can be confused with Caulerpa alternans but is distinguished by having fewer branches and regularly dispersed branchlets (c.f. sparse branchlets). This species can also be confused with Caulerpa longifolia and can be distinguished at having shorter branchlets arranged in 3 rather than five rows and occurring in more sheltered waters.

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:
trifaria

General Description

Simple to occasionally branched alga with a flattened main axis arising from moderately slender runner (stolon). Branchlets (ramuli) cylindrical tapering at both ends with slight upward curve and short, spiny tip, arranged in three regular rows (2 when juvenile). Medium green. Up to 25 cm long (thallus).

Biology

This seaweed can form a habitat similar to seagrass beds and contain a fish and invertebrate community.

Habitat

Subtidal rock, pier piles, sandy and muddy sediments, in sheltered waters, to depth of 31 m.

Reefs

Soft substrates

Distribution guide

Southern Australia.

Species Group

Seaweeds and seagrasses › Green algae

Depth

Shallow (1-30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

25 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 trifaria, in Taxonomic Toolkit for marine life of Port Phillip Bay, Museum Victoria, accessed 25 Feb 2025, http://136.154.202.208:8098/species/11288

Text: creative commons cc by licence