General Description

Flat firm and tough textured alga with short overlapping branches curving to a point and occurring in an alternate pattern on one plane (distichous) of the main axis that arises from rhizomes (roots). Medium to dark green. Up to 20 cm long (thallus).

Biology

This species includes several variants. Tropical species of this genus are used for ornamental decoration in household aquariums.

Habitat

Tidal pools and subtidal reefs in rough waters, to depth of 36 m.

Reefs

Coastal shores

Seagrass meadows

Distribution guide

Barbados, Brazil, India and other populations worldwide including around 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

20 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