Little Neptune grass (Cymodocea nodosa)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Cymodocea nodosa
- Common name
- Little Neptune grass
- Category
- Algae
- Family
- Cymodoceaceae
- Genus
- Cymodocea
- Size
- 10–40 cm
- Depth
- 0–40 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- seagrass, sand
- Behaviours
- sessile, photosynthetic
- Ocean zones
- East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean
Description
Cymodocea nodosa is a Mediterranean flowering marine plant with thin ribbon leaves of 10 to 40 cm, smaller than Posidonia. Forms meadows on shallow sand and mud, often at the edges of or replacing degraded Posidonia beds. Pioneer species, more easily colonizing disturbed areas. Nursery role for many fish and invertebrates.
Photo of Little Neptune grass
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Little Neptune grass?
- Little Neptune grass (Cymodocea nodosa) reaches 10–40 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Little Neptune grass?
- Little Neptune grass is found between 0–40 m deep.
- Is the Little Neptune grass dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Little Neptune grass?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Little Neptune grass?
- Found in: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.
Other species in the genus Cymodocea
Other species in the family Cymodoceaceae
- Halodule wrightii - Dwarf Seagrass
- Halodule uninervis - Single-veined Halodule
- Syringodium isoetifolium - Cylindrical Seagrass
- Syringodium filiforme - Manatee Grass
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 145793)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5328492)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia