Pterocladiella capillacea (S.G. Gmelin) Santelices & Hommersand
Also known as Pterocladia capillacea (S.G. Gmelin) Bornet & Thuret
Description: Cartilaginous, dark purplish-red, flattened fronds, 2 mm wide, to 200 mm high. Pinnate or bipinnate, often bare at base (above), branches opposite or alternate, often tapering at both ends; distinctly pyramidal in outline. Fronds in loose tuft from a rhizoidal base.
Habitat: In large pools and lagoons in the lower intertidal and shallow subtidal, widely distributed on south and south-western shores, never common.
Similar species: Gelidium corneum , not included here, is known only a restricted number of localities in SW Britain (mostly Cornwall), although it is much commoner in N France, Spain and Portugal; this species is larger and relatively less flattened and requires expert identification.
Key characteristics: Larger, darker and more purplish-red than Gelidium pusillum or G. pulchellum; normally, Pterocladiella is not found fringing the edges of pools like the latter. Main axes are generally more flattened and apices more obtuse than G. pulchellum.
Species list seaweed GUIDE book
Seaweeds -
A colour identification guide to seaweeds of the World. By Wolfram Braune & Michael Guiry. In English. More information.
Advertising
Acadian Seaplants is a diversified, technology-based manufacturer of natural, specialty fertilizers, feed, food, food ingredients and brewery supplies derived from select species of marine plants. Link.
Koeltz Scientific Books has the largest holdings of seaweed and algal books in the world. Search their on-line database.
Irish Seaweeds Ltd. Suppliers of 100% natural hand-harvested seaweeds and edible sea vegetable products from Ireland. Link
