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Filamentous Algae

Distribution : Mediterranean

The first great venture in printed photography took on an unexpected colour: the blue of Anna Atkins’s seaweed prints. Starting in 1843, this British pioneer made cyanotypes by laying specimens directly on light-sensitive paper. The finest filaments stood out in white, sometimes with the delicacy of an engraving. In some images she even used algae to form letters. Only about twenty copies of her handmade book are known to survive.

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Habitat of Filamentous Algae Habitat
Coralligenous habitat, Detrital bottom, Rocky habitat
Depth range of Filamentous Algae Depth
5-40 m
Biological group of Filamentous Algae Group
Ecological role of Filamentous Algae Role
Primary producer

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

Loose or densely tufted, filamentous algae look like wisps of very fine fibres. Their flexible threads can also gather into broader mats.

Green, brown and yellowish shades vary between algae. Several species share this fibrous appearance, and tuft shape and colour do not always establish an exact name.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

A rock, shell, large alga or artificial structure may carry filamentous algae. Some also colonise seagrass plants. This group includes algae with different requirements, but shallow coastal waters with sufficient light are common habitats for their growth.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

The different filamentous algae shown here are photosynthetic organisms. Their cells use light energy to turn dissolved carbon and water into organic material. The resulting sugars support their activities and growth, alongside minerals absorbed from their surroundings. Light requirements and responses to nutrient supplies depend on the species.

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Filamentous Algae

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Other species — Brown alga

Forked Ribbon Weed Peacock's tail Sweet-smelling seaweed Common sargassum Rodriguez’s kelp

Same habitat and depth

Coralligenous habitat species Detrital seabed species Rocky seabed species

Same ecological role and depth

Producer species

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DEPTH HABITAT PHYLA ECOLOGICAL ROLE