CalCoast Divers Links

As the name indicates, algae within the group rhodophyta are typically but not purely red in color. Some algae, such as the corraline algae are more pinkish in color while other algae may be almost purple in color. All red algae however, regardless of their shade of red, have the accessory pigment phycoerythrin. The pigmentation of the red algae absorbs the blue and green wavelengths of light but reflects the red wavelengths of light which give this algae its color. Since the red wavelengths of light are quickly filtered out within the first few feet of water, the ability of the red algae to absorb other colors of natural light permits red algae to grow in depths well beyond the capabilities of other algae.

Algae varies dramatically in size, shape, and color. Of these various growth forms four are common to our California coastline.

THE GROWTH FORMS RHODOPHYTA

THE CORRALINE ALGAE
THE BRANCHED ALGAE
THE SINGLE BLADED AND FLAT BLADED ALGAE

THE CORRALINE ALGAE

| | |

Corraline algae common to our coast are characterized as being either flat and plate like, or branched. The encrusting corraline algae grows horizontally all over the rocks it dwells on. The other form of red corraline algae may grow in plate like columns rising just above the rocks where they reside. The other common growth form of these calcareous algae is branched. The branched algae may be feathery tipped or may exist in branched pill-like growth.

<--BACK TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE

THE BRANCHED ALGAE

Corticated algae.

<--BACK TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE

THE SINGLE BLADE AND FLAT BLADED ALGAE

Cupping fins look similar to traditional paddle fins in that both have long stabilizing bars and foot pockets integrated

<--BACK TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE

RESOURCES USED:

http://www.sonoma.edu/biology/algae/Red.html

| Be a contributor | Contact Info |