General Description

Central stalk (stipe) almost cylindrical and zig-zagged openly branched on one plane. Secondary branches can be as long as main stem and are arranged in an alternate pattern. Zig-zag pegs (branch residues) can be slightly backward facing (retroflex). Branchlets (laterals/ramuli) are comb-like arranged alternately with even branching on one plane. Vesicles round-oval in shape, arising in the place of the first two ramuli on each branch. Holdfast at base is a simple and disc-conical shaped. Medium to dark brown. Up to 1.5 m long (thallus).

Biology

This species is usually found in deeper water, but it can be drifting in water or washed ashore after its fronds are detached from rocks by large seas.

Habitat

Subtidal rocky reefs, to depth of 26 m.

Reefs

Distribution guide

Singapore, Solomon Islands and southern Australia.

Species Group

Seaweeds and seagrasses › Brown algae

Depth

Shallow (1-30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

1.5 m

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