PORT PHILLIP BAY


Green Seaweed 

Chaetomorpha coliformis

View scientific description and taxonomy

Scientific Details

Large bead-like chains distinguish this species from other Chaetomorpha species.

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
Subphylum:
Tetraphytina
Class:
Ulvophyceae
Order:
Cladophorales
Family:
Cladophoraceae
Genus:
Chaetomorpha
Species:
coliformis

General Description

Unbranched chains (though can be densely clustered) of large rounded cells which increase in width towards growing tip. Usually epiphytic with lobed holdfast. Light to deep green. Up to 40 cm long (thallus).

Biology

This seaweed often grows on other seaweeds and seagrasses as an epiphyte. It tastes like salty cucumber and was previously called Chaetomorpha darwinii.

Habitat

Tidal pools and shallow subtidal, on sheltered and wave-exposed coasts, epiphytic or on hard substrate, to depth of 4 m.

Reefs

Coastal shores

Seagrass meadows

Distribution guide

India, Chile, New Zealand 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

40 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, Chaetomorpha coliformis, in Taxonomic Toolkit for marine life of Port Phillip Bay, Museum Victoria, accessed 09 Oct 2024, http://136.154.202.208:8098/species/11290

Text: creative commons cc by licence