General Description

Flattened thin central stalk (stipe) with distinctive mid-rib, broad flattened (thin) branches arising in an almost equal divisions (sub-dichotomous) from the main stalk on one plane. Often distinctly spotted all over with clusters of reproductive structures (sori) and tiny hair tufts on surface. Holdfast is matted and rhizoidal. Medium to dark brown (light brown at depth, green-brown as drift). Up to 40 cm long (thallus).

Biology

This is the common species of Dictyopteris algae in southern Australia.

Habitat

Subtidal rocky reef and rock pools in rough waters, to depth of 37 m.

Reefs

Distribution guide

India, Indonesia and Australia.

Species Group

Seaweeds and seagrasses › Brown algae

Depth

Shallow (1-30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

40 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