Peyssonnelia squamaria forms dark-pink to purple encrusting blades of 3 to 15 cm with wavy edges overlapping like scales or tiles. Major component of Mediterranean coralligenous habitat, an iconic environment built by calcified red algae. Prefers shaded vertical walls between 5 and 60 m. Plays a cementing role in coralligenous reefs. Characteristic wide-angle photo subject.
