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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)
Iridescent Algae (Mazzaella flaccida/splendens)
- Description:
- These algae are seen in a variety of colors including dark-purple, brown, green, bluish-purple, and may even appear black. They appear iridescent when underwater or when wet because of thin layer interference. The blades are relatively thin and vary in shape and size (up to 3 feet long and 10 inches wide) depending on the habitat and the amount of wave exposure.
- Distribution:
- Alaska to northern Baja California.
- Habitat:
- Abundant on rocks in the mid to low intertidal and upper subtidal. Found in both exposed and moderately sheltered habitats.
- Diet:
- Sunlight and dissolved nutrients, which are required for photosynthesis.
- Fun Fact:
- Iridescent algae are one source for carrageenan, a substance commonly used to thicken, stabilize or jell products such as toothpaste, ice cream and cosmetics.
- Reason for Monitoring:
- They are a mid zone indicator, dominant competitor, and are potentially harvested for carrageenan.
- 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.