General Description

Tufted, multiple cylindrical axes, arising from flat lying (prostrate) tangled branches. Upper branches (axes) are covered in fixed length (determinate), branched laterals arranged in a radial pattern. Very dark red-brown. Up to 10 cm long (thallus).

Biology

This alga often forms dense turfs. It grows on hard surfaces such as rocks and mussels, also occasionally as an epiphyte on other algae. It attaches to the surfaces with root-like (rhizoid) extensions on lower branches.

Habitat

Low tide level, moderate to exposed waters, to depth of 6 m.

Reefs

Coastal shores

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

10 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