Southern Kelp (Eisenia arborea)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Eisenia arborea
- Common name
- Southern Kelp
- Category
- Algae
- Family
- Lessoniaceae
- Genus
- Eisenia
- Size
- 150–300 cm
- Depth
- 0–30 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- kelp-forest, rocky-reef
- Behaviours
- benthic
- Ocean zones
- Eastern Pacific, Mediterranean
Description
Eisenia arborea reaches 3 m. California brown alga, bushy and branched morphology. Multiple stipes from common holdfast, tree-like appearance. Habitat: rocky zones 0-30 m, California. Less extensive than Macrocystis but more locally available. Specialized food for sea urchins and fish. Least threatened = LC. Resilient to coastal disturbances.
Photo of Southern Kelp
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Southern Kelp?
- Southern Kelp (Eisenia arborea) reaches 150–300 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Southern Kelp?
- Southern Kelp is found between 0–30 m deep.
- Is the Southern Kelp dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Southern Kelp?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Southern Kelp?
- Found in: Eastern Pacific, Mediterranean.
Other species in the family Lessoniaceae
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 371990)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5422553)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia