How big is the Forkweed?

Forkweed (Dictyota dichotoma) reaches 5–30 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Forkweed?

Forkweed is found between 0–30 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the Forkweed?

IUCN status: Least concern (LC).

Where can you find the Forkweed?

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

Forkweed (Dictyota dichotoma)

Key facts

Scientific name: Dictyota dichotoma
Common name: Forkweed
Category: Algae
Family: Dictyotaceae
Genus: Dictyota
Size: 5–30 cm
Depth: 0–30 m
IUCN status: Least concern (LC)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: rocky
Behaviours: sessile, photosynthetic
Ocean zones: Caribbean, East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean

Description

Dictyota dichotoma reaches 30 cm. Brown alga with a ribbon-like thallus divided into regular dichotomous forks. Photogenic feature: iridescent blue-green to purple sheen at certain light angles, due to multilayer optical structures in its cuticle. Very common on rocks and in seagrass down to 30 m. Food for urchins and grazing fish.

Photo of Forkweed

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Forkweed?: Forkweed (Dictyota dichotoma) reaches 5–30 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Forkweed?: Forkweed is found between 0–30 m deep.
Is the Forkweed dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Forkweed?: IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Forkweed?: Found in: Caribbean, East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.

Other species in the family Dictyotaceae

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 145367)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5423480)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia