red Algae
iridescent seaweed
Scientific name:Mazzaella splendens
Family: Gigartinaceae
Phylum: Rhodophyta
Typical size: Up to 20 centimeters long
Depth range: Intertidal to subtidal zones
Description: Has a thick, flat blade that can grow in clusters where the blade is longer and wider than stipe. Iridescent red-purple/yellow-brown when light shines off the seaweed.
Habitat and behavior: Grows on rock in sheltered waters in shallower areas.
red fringe
Scientific name: Smithora naiadum
Family: Erythrotrichiaceae
Phylum: Rhodophyta
Typical size: 5 centimeters long
Depth range: Low intertidal to high subtidal zone
Description: A reddish-brown algae that grows on other seagrasses like eelgrass.
Habitat and behavior: Lives from Alaska to Baja California. They will attach to surfaces in groups of up to 30.
Polysiphona sp.
Scientific name: Polysiphonia sp.
Family: Rhodomelaceae
Phylum: Rhodophyta
Typical size: Up to 30 centimeters
Depth range: Intertidal to subtidal
Description: A genus of red algae that usually has branches. There are about 200 different species in this genus.
Habitat and behavior: Lives worldwide mostly in saltwater. They are often attached to rocks, or other marine plants. They can withstand waves and tidal currents. They can survive through the winter or be buried by sand and still regrow.
succulent seaweed
Scientific name:Sarcodiotheca guadichaudii
Family: Solieriacea
Phylum: Rhodophyta
Typical size: 10 to 40 centimeters tall
Depth range: Intertidal to subtidal
Description: Is a reddish brown color with round fronds, or branches, that taper at the ends branching from the center ‘stem’.
Habitat and behavior: Grows on hard surfaces, like rocks, around sandy areas.
turkish towel
Scientific name:Chondra corymbiferus
Family: Phyllophoraceae
Phylum: Red algae
Typical size: Up to 50 centimeters long and 30 centimeters wide
Depth range: Up to 18 meters
Description: Reddish/brownish yellow in color with a blade coming from it’s stipe (stem-like structure) which is covered in spiny papillae (bumps).
Habitat and behavior: Found in rocky areas where it grows it’s blades depending on exposure. In sheltered area, blades are thin. In exposed areas, blades are thick.