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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 gardneri/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./Calliarthron 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)
Slender Rockweeds(Pelvetiopsis limitata/Silvetia compressa)
- Description:
- Olive green to brownish in color. They have cylindrical, dichotomously branched thalli that lack a midrib. The holdfast is leathery, conical, and relatively small. Mature branches will have swollen, warty receptacles at the tips. Silvetia compressa reaches a much larger size than Pelvetiopsis limitata, and is usually found lower down, but small individuals are difficult to distinguish.
- Distribution:
- British Columbia to central Baja California.
- Habitat:
- Common in the high to mid intertidal in exposed habitats.
- Diet:
- Sunlight and dissolved nutrients, which are required for photosynthesis.
- Fun Fact:
- These algae are frequently exposed to air at low tide, and can photosynthesize both in and out of water. The fronds trap moisture and provide protection to barnacles, shore crabs, tubeworms and snails.
- Reason for Monitoring:
- Sensitive to trampling; a high zone indicator.
- 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.