Feather Boa Kelp (Egregia menziesii)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Egregia menziesii
- Common name
- Feather Boa Kelp
- Category
- Algae
- Family
- Lessoniaceae
- Genus
- Egregia
- Size
- 400–800 cm
- Depth
- 0–15 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- kelp-forest, rocky-reef
- Behaviours
- benthic
- Ocean zones
- Eastern Pacific, Mediterranean
Description
Egregia menziesii reaches 8 m. Feather boa kelp, highly branched California brown alga. Unique morphology: feather-like lateral branches, very light and airy appearance. Thick main frond. Rocky intertidal-subtidal zone 0-15 m. Habitat: central to southern California. Less productive than Macrocystis but highly specialized. Sea urchin food, habitat. Least threatened = LC.
Photo of Feather Boa Kelp
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Feather Boa Kelp?
- Feather Boa Kelp (Egregia menziesii) reaches 400–800 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Feather Boa Kelp?
- Feather Boa Kelp is found between 0–15 m deep.
- Is the Feather Boa Kelp dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Feather Boa Kelp?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Feather Boa Kelp?
- Found in: Eastern Pacific, Mediterranean.
Other species in the family Lessoniaceae
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 372502)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 3196088)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia