How big is the Worm alga?

Worm alga (Dasycladus vermicularis) reaches 2–8 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Worm alga?

Worm alga is found between 0–10 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the Worm alga?

IUCN status: Least concern (LC).

Where can you find the Worm alga?

Found in: Caribbean, East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean, Eastern Pacific.

Worm alga (Dasycladus vermicularis)

Key facts

Scientific name: Dasycladus vermicularis
Common name: Worm alga
Category: Algae
Family: Dasycladaceae
Genus: Dasycladus
Size: 2–8 cm
Depth: 0–10 m
IUCN status: Least concern (LC)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: rocky, tide-pool
Behaviours: sessile, photosynthetic
Ocean zones: Caribbean, East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean, Eastern Pacific

Description

Dasycladus vermicularis reaches 8 cm. Remarkable small green alga: each individual is a single giant cell (like Caulerpa) in brush-shape with verticillate fine hairs. Colonizes intertidal rock pools and very shallow rocks of the Mediterranean and Macaronesia. Clusters in tufts. Model species for studying giant cells in cell biology. Photogenic in raking light.

Photo of Worm alga

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Worm alga?: Worm alga (Dasycladus vermicularis) reaches 2–8 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Worm alga?: Worm alga is found between 0–10 m deep.
Is the Worm alga dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Worm alga?: IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Worm alga?: Found in: Caribbean, East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean, Eastern Pacific.

Similar species

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 145301)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2644707)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia