General Description

Multiple long, thin cylindrical primary branches with secondary branches of varying length (often short). Holdfast disc-like (discoid). Dark red-brown. Up to 60 cm long (thallus).

Biology

This species often grows in estuaries and river mouths. It is cultivated for agar production in Chile. It has also been shown to act as a biofilter of soluble nutrients in tests of fish, sea urchin and oyster tank aquaculture.

Habitat

Tidal pools, shallow subtidal areas, sand/mud flats, mangroves, sheltered waters, to depth of 12 m.

Reefs

Coastal shores

Soft substrates

Distribution guide

Chile, New Zealand and southern Australia.

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

60 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