Invasive Red Seaweed (Asparagopsis taxiformis)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Asparagopsis taxiformis
- Common name
- Invasive Red Seaweed
- Category
- Algae
- Family
- Bonnemaisoniaceae
- Genus
- Asparagopsis
- Size
- 10–50 cm
- Depth
- 0–20 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- rocky-reef
- Behaviours
- benthic
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific, Caribbean, East Atlantic, Eastern Pacific, Macaronesia, Mediterranean
Description
Asparagopsis taxiformis reaches 50 cm. Indo-Pacific invasive Mediterranean red alga, fine feathery branching. Rocky reefs (0-20 m). Major invasive species Mediterranean since 2000s. Extensively studied because emits interesting potential anti-methane compound ruminant. Least threatened = LC but invasive. Major aquaculture biochemical issue.
Photo of Invasive Red Seaweed
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Invasive Red Seaweed?
- Invasive Red Seaweed (Asparagopsis taxiformis) reaches 10–50 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Invasive Red Seaweed?
- Invasive Red Seaweed is found between 0–20 m deep.
- Is the Invasive Red Seaweed dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Invasive Red Seaweed?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Invasive Red Seaweed?
- Found in: Asian Pacific, Caribbean, East Atlantic, Eastern Pacific, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.
Other species in the genus Asparagopsis
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 144439)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5279834)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia