General Description

Formed of a cluster of sub-parallel filaments or branches (fasciculate) with numerous straight main axes with long straight secondary axes (laterals) arranged in a radial pattern. Apical tips are blunt or enlarged and round. Can have filament-like hairs near tip. Holdfast disc-like (discoid) to lobed with wart-like growths (verrucose). Dark brown. Up to 50 cm long (thallus).

Biology

Small caprellid crustaceans, Paraproto tasmaniensis, attach to this alga. Unique organic compounds called phenols have been found in this seaweed. Similar phenols are used as a precursor for materials such as plastics.

Habitat

Subtidal rocky reef, rough water coasts, to depth of 15 m.

Reefs

Distribution guide

Australia.

Species Group

Seaweeds and seagrasses › Brown algae

Depth

Shallow (1-30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

50 cm

Diet

Photosynthetic - sunlight

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Native to Australia

Identify

• Seaweeds and seagrasses

Conservation Status

• DSE Advisory List : Not listed
• EPBC Act 1999 : Not listed
• IUCN Red List : Not listed