General Description

Fronds are cylindrical to slightly flattened. Branching is on one plane (distichous). Branchlets appear clustered, with a globular (botryoidal) form. Holdfast similar to creeping stem (stoloniferous). Dark red to red-brown. Up to 17 cm long (thallus).

Biology

This robust alga is usually conspicuous, often growing on rock platform edges below the low tide level. Algal derived toxins from Laurencia species have been identified in skin and ink of sea hares (opisthobranch molluscs), and are thought to play a part in predator defence.

Habitat

Tidal pools and shallow subtidal areas.

Reefs

Coastal shores

Distribution guide

South Africa, Singapore, Fiji and Australia.

Species Group

Seaweeds and seagrasses › Red algae

Depth

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

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

17 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