General Description

Compressed perennial stalk (stipe) with blunt teeth, arising from simple disc-conical holdfast. Lower branches (perennial laterals) arise in a radial pattern and are narrowly divided in an even pattern (pinnate) and have a thickened mid rib. Multiple and sometimes branched stems (stipes) are angular and arise radially from the perennial stalk. Secondary laterals (upper laterals/ramuli) are multiply divided and fine. Vesicles (when reproductive) are very small, attached by a short stem (petiole), and have either no protrusion (mucro) or a slender protrusion. Medium brown. Up to 50 cm long (thallus).

Biology

This species has been renamed from Sargassum to Phyllotricha.

Habitat

Subtidal rocky reefs and tidal pools, to depth of 11 m.

Reefs

Coastal shores

Distribution guide

Cape Verde Islands and southern Australia.

Species Group

Seaweeds and seagrasses › Brown algae

Depth

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

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

50 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