Halimeda (Halimeda tuna)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Halimeda tuna
- Common name
- Halimeda
- Category
- Algae
- Family
- Halimedaceae
- Genus
- Halimeda
- Size
- 5–15 cm
- Depth
- 1–70 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- rocky, reef
- Behaviours
- sessile, photosynthetic
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific, Caribbean, East Atlantic, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Mediterranean, Eastern Pacific
Description
Halimeda tuna reaches 15 cm. Green alga made of flattened calcified segments linked in a chain resembling a miniature cactus. Older segments detach and actively contribute to calcareous sand formation on Mediterranean bottoms. Lives on rocky walls and rubble from 1 to 70 m. Slow growing. Major ecological role in carbonate sedimentation on reefs and coralligenous drop-offs.
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Halimeda?
- Halimeda (Halimeda tuna) reaches 5–15 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Halimeda?
- Halimeda is found between 1–70 m deep.
- Is the Halimeda dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Halimeda?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Halimeda?
- Found in: Asian Pacific, Caribbean, East Atlantic, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Mediterranean, Eastern Pacific.
Other species in the genus Halimeda
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 144483)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2643307)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia