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Species
Algae
Identifying algae is not always easy! Learn more about the algae monitored by the LiMPETS program. The list below includes:
- 16 core taxa that are monitored at as many sites as possible
- 3 other taxa (denoted with *) that are monitored at only one or two sites
Go to Datasheets and Forms to find out which species are monitored at your LiMPETS site of interest.
- Dead man’s fingers – Codium fragile
- Encrusting coralline algae – Many species
- Feather boa kelp – Egregia menziesii
- Flattened rockweeds – Fucus spp./Hesperophycus californicus
- Green pin-cushion alga – Cladophora columbiana
- Iridescent algae – Mazzaella flaccida/splendens
- Lawn alga – Chondracanthus canaliculatus
- Nori – Porphyra spp.
- Scouring-pad alga – Endocladia muricata
- Sea lettuces – Ulva spp.
- Sea sacs – Halosaccion glandiforme
- Slender rockweeds – Pelvetiopsis limitata/Silvetia compressa
- Stunted turkish towel – Mastocarpus spp./Mazzaella affinis
- Surfgrasses – Phyllospadix scouleri/torreyi
- Tar spot algae – Mastocarpus spp./Ralfsia spp. and others
- Upright coralline algae – Bossiella spp./Calliarthon spp./Corallina spp.
- * Christmas card algae – Microcladia spp./Plocamium spp.
- * Frilly red algae – Cryptopleura spp.
- * Vermicelli alga – Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis
- We also monitor:
- Bare rock
- Loose sand
- Tar (petroleum)
Encrusting Coralline Algae (Many species)
- Description:
- There are many types of encrusting coralline algae, at least five genera and nine species are found along our coast. Species can be difficult to correctly identify in the field; their distinguishing characteristics are traits such as crust thickness, cell dimensions, and reproductive structures. All of the species are “crunchy” due to the calcium carbonate found in their cell walls. They range in color from grey to dull pink to bright pink.
- Distribution:
- Alaska to Mexico.
- Habitat:
- Abundant on rocks and mollusk shells in the low rocky intertidal and shallow subtidal.
- Diet:
- Calcium and magnesium carbonate from the seawater as well as sunlight and dissolved nutrients, which are required for photosynthesis.
- Fun Fact:
- It used to be thought that encrusting corallines were animals related to coral. In the tropics, they have an important role in building coral reefs.
- Reason for Monitoring:
- These algae are resistant to trampling and pollution; in addition they are a dominant species on primary substrate.
- References:
- Encyclopedia of the Sanctuary
- Mondragon, J and J. Mondragon. 2003. Seaweeds of the Pacific Coast: Common Marine Algae from Alaska to Baja California. Sea Challengers, Monterey,California.