General Description

One to three main stems (stipes). Lower branch (primary axis) cyclindrical. Upper primary branch compressed with a midrib, branching on one plane. Basal laterals resemble alternate pinnate leaves. Upper laterals are irregularly branched and can be thread-like (filiform) through to compressed. Vesicles when present are on a stalk (petiolate), almost round (subspherical), with a short protrusion (mucro). Holdfast disc-like (discoid) to conical. Dark brown. Up to 45 cm long (thallus).

Biology

This species was recently reviewed using morphological and molecular data and moved from the genus Sargassum to the genus Sargassopsis.

Habitat

Shallow subtidal rocky reefs and tidal pools in rough waters, to depth of 5 m.

Reefs

Distribution guide

New Zealand and Australia.

Species Group

Seaweeds and seagrasses › Brown algae

Depth

Shallow (1-30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

45 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