General Description

Narrow, flattened fronds branching in an even fork (dichotomous) pattern. Tips (apices) of fronds pointed through to round. Holdfast root-like (rhizoidal) at base branches. Dark brown. Up to 20 cm long (thallus).

Biology

A new molecule (a metabolite) was recently extracted from Dictyota furcellata. Similar metabolite are used in the development of anti-coagulant and anti-platelet medicines.

Habitat

Tidal pools to deep subtidal reef, sheltered coasts, to depth of 35 m.

Reefs

Coastal shores

Distribution guide

Mauritius, New Zealand and Australia.

Species Group

Seaweeds and seagrasses › Brown algae

Depth

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

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

20 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