General Description

Distinctively branched branchlets. Long flattened relatively straight central stalk (stipe) with strongly zig-zagged flattened branches arising facing slightly backward down the stem in an alternating pattern on one plane (can sometimes form long branches with their own sub-branches). Branchlets (ramuli) are clustered, usually found towards the tips of the branches and are multi-branched in an alternate pattern. Holdfast at base is a simple and disc-conical shaped. Medium to dark brown. Up to 2 m long (thallus).

Biology

This species is one of the largest Cystophora algae and has been described as one of the most developed species in the genus. New chemical compounds have been discovered from studies analysing its chemistry.

Habitat

Subtidal rocky reefs and tidal pools (when in rough wave conditions), in areas with moderate-strong wave action, to depth of 28 m.

Reefs

Distribution guide

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

2 m

Diet

Photosynthetic - sunlight

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Native to Australia

Identify

• Seaweeds and seagrasses

Conservation Status

• DSE Advisory List : Not listed
• EPBC Act 1999 : Not listed
• IUCN Red List : Not listed