PORT PHILLIP BAY


Green Seaweed 

Caulerpa sedoides

View scientific description and taxonomy

Scientific Details

The distinctive feature of this alga is that it is small and delicate with tiny bubble-like beads like green jewels. It can be distinguished from other similar species by its small beads (ramuli) that are 2-4 mm long.

Main information sources:
Womersley, H.B.S., (1984-2003). The Marine Benthic Flora of Southern Australia. Part 1-3d. Govt. Printer, South Australia.
Baldock, R.N. 2010. Algae Revealed. South Australian State Herbarium. Website.
AlgaeBase. Website.

Taxonomy

Phylum:
Chlorophyta
Class:
Ulvophyceae
Order:
Bryopsidales
Family:
Caulerpaceae
Genus:
Caulerpa
Species:
sedoides

General Description

Delicate alga with small ovoid-elongate beads (vesiculate) arranged loosely on the main axis (stolon) that is sometimes branched and arises from rhizomes (running stolons). Light to medium green. Up to 15 cm long (thallus).

Biology

This beaded algae can be abundant on rock surfaces despite its small size. It was formerly known as Caulerpa geminata. Tropical species of this genus are used for ornamental decoration in household aquariums.

Habitat

Tidal pools and low tide level in rough waters, shallow subtidal in calm waters, to depth of 25 m.

Reefs

Coastal shores

Distribution guide

New Zealand, Pacific Islands, Korea and Australia.

Species Group

Seaweeds and seagrasses Green algae

Depth

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

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

15 cm

Diet

Photosynthetic - sunlight

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Recorded in Australia

Identify

Conservation Status

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

Author

article author Pocklington, Jacqui

Jacqui Pocklington is a Research Associate with expertise in algal taxonomy.

citation

Cite this page as:
Pocklington, Jacqui, 2011, Green Seaweed, Caulerpa sedoides, in Taxonomic Toolkit for marine life of Port Phillip Bay, Museum Victoria, accessed 04 Nov 2024, http://136.154.202.208:8098/species/11285

Text: creative commons cc by licence