Ball alga (Codium bursa)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Codium bursa
- Common name
- Ball alga
- Category
- Algae
- Family
- Codiaceae
- Genus
- Codium
- Size
- 5–30 cm
- Depth
- 1–50 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- rocky, reef
- Behaviours
- sessile, photosynthetic
- Ocean zones
- East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean
Description
Codium bursa forms dark-green hollow spheres of 5 to 30 cm in diameter with a velvety texture. The interior is filled with saltwater. Lives on rocky walls and coralligenous habitats in the Mediterranean and nearby Atlantic between 1 and 50 m. Unlike most algae, tolerates shade well. Unique photogenic shape, sometimes mistaken for a sponge.
Photo of Ball alga
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Ball alga?
- Ball alga (Codium bursa) reaches 5–30 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Ball alga?
- Ball alga is found between 1–50 m deep.
- Is the Ball alga dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Ball alga?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Ball alga?
- Found in: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.
Other species in the genus Codium
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 145079)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2642675)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia