Cuvie (Laminaria hyperborea)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Laminaria hyperborea
- Common name
- Cuvie
- Category
- Algae
- Family
- Laminariaceae
- Genus
- Laminaria
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- rocky-reef, kelp-forest
- Behaviours
- sessile, primary-producer, habitat-former
- Ocean zones
- East Atlantic
Description
Laminaria hyperborea reaches 3.5 m long. Stiff thick stipe with digitate frond olive-brown to dark brown. Forms the famous kelp forests on rocks from 0 to 30 m, from Norway to Brittany. Key habitat sheltering very rich biodiversity of invertebrates, fish and epiphytes. Lifespan 15 years. Fished for alginate extraction. Spectacular spring growth. Sensitive to warming that threatens its southern range. Exceptional immersive diving in dense forest.
Photo of Cuvie
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Cuvie dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Cuvie?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Cuvie?
- Found in: East Atlantic.
Other species in the genus Laminaria
Other species in the family Laminariaceae
- Macrocystis pyrifera - Giant Kelp
- Nereocystis luetkeana - Bull Kelp
- Saccharina latissima - Sugar Kelp
- Postelsia palmaeformis - Sea Palm
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 145725)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5422383)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia