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ALEXANDRE MEINESZ

Cartilaginous Branched Red Alga

In Dive.Explo360: Mediterranean · Northeast Atlantic · Atlantic Ocean

With its translucent, purplish-pink branches, the Cartilaginous Branched Red Alga adds a delicate touch to underwater rocky landscapes. Often observed in sheltered areas, this red alga provides small refuges for inconspicuous animals while contributing to oxygen production and the balance of the marine environment.

Habitat de Cartilaginous Branched Red Alga Habitat
Rocky habitat
Profondeur de Cartilaginous Branched Red Alga Depth
5-60 m
Groupe biologique de Cartilaginous Branched Red Alga Group
Red alga
Rôle écologique de Cartilaginous Branched Red Alga Role
Primary producer

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

This red alga forms flexible thalli made up of cylindrical branches that are often slightly swollen. These structures can resemble small inflated segments, giving the whole alga an irregular, fleshy appearance.Its colour ranges from pink to purplish red, sometimes becoming paler according to depth and light. Its texture is soft and translucent, giving it a delicate appearance underwater.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

It attaches to hard substrates such as rocks in calm, often partly shaded areas. It can also be observed among other algae.It is found in the Mediterranean and some nearby temperate Atlantic areas, generally at shallow to moderate depths.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

Like all algae, it is autotrophic and produces its organic matter through photosynthesis. It uses light, carbon dioxide and mineral salts dissolved in the water.

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