Cactus algae
Halimeda opuntia
Also known as: Brittle-disc Seaweed, Coralline Algae, Green Algae, Green Siphonous Algae, Marine Algae, Prostrate Sea Cactus, Watercress Algae
- Brittle-disc Seaweed
- Coralline Algae
- Green Algae
- Green Siphonous Algae
- Marine Algae
- Prostrate Sea Cactus
- Watercress Algae
Overview
Found in clumps attached to the substrate, around dead corals, mangroves, and seagrass beds, of shallow lagoons, coral and rocky reefs.
As many as 9000 species of algae are spread across the worlds oceans, some can be as much as 30 metres across while others are just a slippery scum over rocks.
Algae grows wherever there is enough light and life supporting conditions.
They support a huge number of marine life both for food and as a home.
How to identify
Habitat & where to find it
- Range · Indo-Pacific, Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean
- Country only · 2
Found in clumps attached to the substrate, around dead corals, mangroves, and seagrass beds, of shallow lagoons, coral and rocky reefs.
Adult photos 2
Discussion
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Deep dive
Taxonomy
- kingdomPlantae
- phylumChlorophyta
- classUlvophyceae
- orderBryopsidales
- familyHalimedaceae
- genusHalimeda
- speciesHalimeda opuntia (Linnaeus) J.V.Lamouroux, 1816
SourcesWoRMSSeaLifeBase
More in the family
Bryopsidales
