General Description

One to several slender, cylindrical main stems (axes) with secondary branches arranged in a loose radial pattern becoming clustered. Uppermost branches widening to a flattened and dimpled tip. Holdfast disc-like to prostrate when epiphytic. Medium to Dark Red. Up to 30 cm long (thallus).

Biology

This red seaweed can appear almost green in intertidal areas due to increased exposure to light that bleaches its colour. Specimens in low intertidal areas can grow under canopy-forming algae such as Hormosira banksii, while other specimens are epiphytic, growing on seagrass such as Amphibolis antartica. Multiple new chemical compounds have been isolated from Laurencia filiformis, including a compound called pacifenol which is lethal to brine shrimp in certain concentrations.

Habitat

Tidal pools, low intertidal areas, subtidal rock reefs, in moderate water movement, to depth of 23 m.

Reefs

Coastal shores

Seagrass meadows

Distribution guide

Worldwide.

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

30 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