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green
seaweeds text index | photo
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| Seaweeds > Division Chlorophyta > Family Caulerpaceae > genus Caulerpa |
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feathery green seaweed Caulerpa taxifolia* Family Caulerpaceae updated Aug 10 Where seen? This beautiful feathery green seaweed is commonly seen on many of our shores, growing on coral rubble and sometimes spreading out on sandy bottoms. Usually found in clumps, which can cover an area of about 40-50cm. But it does not blanket the shore like other seasonally abundant seaweeds. Features: A feathery structure 3-7cm long. The central 'stem' of the feathery structure is flat. The side 'branches' of the feathery structure are long, flat and sickle shaped. There is a constriction where the side 'branch' attaches to the central 'stem'. The feathery structures may be long and narrow, or short and rather squat. These feathery structures emerge along the length of a horizontal 'stem' that creeps over hard surfaces or just under the sand. Usually bright green. It may cover large areas on sandy bottoms. Sometimes confused with other feathery green seaweeds or with seagrasses. Here's more on how to tell apart different feathery green seaweeds and how to tell apart feathery green seaweeds and seagrasses. Human uses: This green seaweed is reported to be edible, to have antibacterial and antifungal properties, and used to treat tuberculosis and high blood pressure. However, some Caulerpa species produce toxins to protect themselves from browsing fish. This also makes them toxic to humans. Status and threats: This seaweed is native to the tropical waters of the Caribbean and Indo-Pacific. |
 Sisters Island, Jul 04  Constriction where side 'branch' attaches to main 'stem'. Labrador, Nov 04 |
| A particular strain of this seaweed developed for the aquarium trade was accidentally introduced to the coasts of the Mediterranean Sea, Australia and California. This strain is resistant to cooler temperate waters and is toxic to native herbivores such as fish, sea urchins and snails. So it grows unchecked and thick carpets of the seaweed smother native plants and deprive native animals of food. Efforts to eradicate it has not succeeded and this seaweed is now considered a noxious introduced alien. |
Narrow feathery green seaweed on Singapore shores
 Sentosa, Aug 05  |
 Labrador, Nov 04  Tiny shrimp on the seaweed |
more photos of narrow feathery green seaweed on Singapore shores
northern shores part 1 | part 2
southern shores part 1 | part 2 | part 3
*Species are difficult to positively identify without close examination of internal parts.
On this website, they are grouped by external features for convenience of display.
Links
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University of Western Australia Press. 300pp.
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