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.

Stunted Turkish Towel(Mastocarpus spp./Mazzaella affinis)
Description:
These are common algae in the California intertidal. The two species of Mastocarpus, M. papillatus and M. jardinii, as well as Mazzaella affinis, are difficult to distinguish and are put in one category for monitoring. All three have small dark red to purplish-black blades that split near their ends; the blades can be narrow (1-2 cm) or wide (5-7 cm). The blades of both species of Mastocarpus often are covered with bumps (papillae); they have a complex life cycle with a crust phase that looks very different from the often bumpy blades of the upright phase. The crust phase is monitored separately as some of the many species of tar-spot algae.
Distribution:
Alaska to Baja California.
Habitat:
Abundant in mid to high rocky intertidal areas.
Diet:
Sunlight and dissolved nutrients, which are required for photosynthesis.
Fun Fact:
Before the life cycle was understood, phycologists thought that the crust phase of Mastocarpus spp. was a distinct species that was placed in a separate genus, Petrocelis.
Reason for Monitoring:
They are common and abundant species in the high and mid zones of many of the LiMPETS sites, and are sensitive to trampling.
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.