Leafy caulerpa (Caulerpa prolifera)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Caulerpa prolifera
- Common name
- Leafy caulerpa
- Category
- Algae
- Family
- Caulerpaceae
- Genus
- Caulerpa
- Size
- 5–30 cm
- Depth
- 0–30 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- sand, seagrass
- Behaviours
- sessile, photosynthetic
- Ocean zones
- Caribbean, East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean, Eastern Pacific
Description
Caulerpa prolifera is a Mediterranean-native green alga with lanceolate vivid-green fronds of 5 to 30 cm connected by a creeping stolon. Biologically remarkable: each individual is a single giant cell (syncytium) reaching several meters. Not to be confused with the invasive Caulerpa taxifolia. Lives on sandy bottoms and seagrass edges down to 30 m. Very common in the Mediterranean.
Photo of Leafy caulerpa
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Leafy caulerpa?
- Leafy caulerpa (Caulerpa prolifera) reaches 5–30 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Leafy caulerpa?
- Leafy caulerpa is found between 0–30 m deep.
- Is the Leafy caulerpa dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Leafy caulerpa?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Leafy caulerpa?
- Found in: Caribbean, East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean, Eastern Pacific.
Other species in the genus Caulerpa
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 144471)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2643011)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia