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seagrass lagoon

Wiry red seaweed Hypnea cervicornis Family Hypneaceae

This red seaweed has long stems that branch finely and thus make it appear fuzzy and wiry. It grows in a loose bunch on the sandy parts of the seagrass lagoon. It may be brownish, reddish or purple in colour.

Role in the habitat: It is eaten by the Green sea turtle.

Human uses: It is reported to be edible and used for animal feed. It can be used to produce carrageenan which is used to gel and stabilise processed food such as chocolate milk and yoghurt. It is also a source of agar. This seaweed is also said to have antibacterial and antitumor properties.

quick facts
Stems about 10cm long, common in the seagrass lagoon

See also ...
Seaweeds in general

Links
Hypnea cervicornis on Plants of the Indian River Lagoon, the Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce website: lots of details on the species including its biology, ecology, role in the habitat.

Other references

Trono, G. C. Jr., 1997. Field Guide and Atlas of the Seaweed Resources of the Philippines. Bookmark, Inc., the Philippines. 306 pp.

a companion website to the chek jawa guidebook website©ria tan 2003 www.wildsingapore.com

a companion website to the chek jawa guidebook
website©ria tan 2003 www.wildsingapore.com