Sailor's eyeball

In Dive.Explo360: Mediterranean

While diving, Sailor’s eyeball resembles a little green pearl attached to rock. Its simple appearance hides a marine curiosity: each sphere is a single giant cell. This alga uses well-lit areas to grow inconspicuously.

Habitat de Sailor's eyeball Habitat
Rocky habitat, Coralligenous habitat
Profondeur de Sailor's eyeball Depth
10-45 m
Groupe biologique de Sailor's eyeball Group
Green alga
Rôle écologique de Sailor's eyeball Role
Primary producer

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

Despite looking like a little shiny marble, it is indeed a green alga. It takes the form of a smooth, inflated sphere called an utricle, dark green to olive green in colour. Its surface is shiny and even, sometimes giving the impression of a pearl resting on the seabed.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

It is mainly found on rocky seabeds, often in shallow areas but also deeper down where light remains sufficient. It may live alone or in small groups, attached to the substrate.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

Like all algae, it makes its own material using light, transforming solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis.

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