Mediterranean cystoseira (Cystoseira amentacea)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Cystoseira amentacea
- Common name
- Mediterranean cystoseira
- Category
- Algae
- Family
- Sargassaceae
- Genus
- Cystoseira
- Size
- 20–100 cm
- Depth
- 0–5 m
- IUCN status
- Near threatened (NT)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- rocky
- Behaviours
- sessile, photosynthetic
- Ocean zones
- East Atlantic, Mediterranean
Description
Cystoseira amentacea reaches 1 m. Brown alga forming dense forests on wave-exposed rocks of the Mediterranean intertidal zone, between 0 and 5 m. Keystone species for coastal ecosystems: shelters biodiversity of invertebrates and juvenile fish. Excellent bioindicator of water quality: disappears at the slightest pollution. IUCN Near Threatened, protected.
Photo of Mediterranean cystoseira
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Mediterranean cystoseira?
- Mediterranean cystoseira (Cystoseira amentacea) reaches 20–100 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Mediterranean cystoseira?
- Mediterranean cystoseira is found between 0–5 m deep.
- Is the Mediterranean cystoseira dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Mediterranean cystoseira?
- IUCN status: Near threatened (NT).
- Where can you find the Mediterranean cystoseira?
- Found in: East Atlantic, Mediterranean.
Other species in the genus Cystoseira
Other species in the family Sargassaceae
- Sargassum vulgare - Common sargassum
- Sargassum natans - Floating Sargassum
- Sargassum fluitans - Gulf Sargassum
- Sargassum muticum - Japanese Wireweed
- Sargassum horneri - Horner's Sargassum
- Sargassum filipendula - Filmy Sargassum
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 145506)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 3197619)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia