General Description

Thickened (robust) form. Secondary branching which is often restricted to one side and is irregular. Tips becoming slender almost to a point. Medium to dark red fading to yellow. Up to 30 cm long (thallus).

Biology

Some species in this family (Gracilariaceae) are very important commercially as they provide most of the world's agar. They can withstand being covered by sand for extended periods.

Habitat

Tidal pools, subtidal areas, estuaries, on open coasts, to depth of 13 m.

Reefs

Coastal shores

Soft substrates

Distribution guide

New Zealand 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

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