Home › Species › Algae › Peyssonnelia

Peyssonnelia (Peyssonnelia squamaria)

Photo of Peyssonnelia (Peyssonnelia squamaria)

Key facts

Scientific name
Peyssonnelia squamaria
Common name
Peyssonnelia
Category
Algae
Family
Peyssonneliaceae
Genus
Peyssonnelia
Size
3–15 cm
Depth
5–60 m
IUCN status
Least concern (LC)
Danger level
Harmless
Habitats
rocky, reef
Behaviours
sessile, photosynthetic
Ocean zones
East Atlantic, Mediterranean

Description

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.

Photo of Peyssonnelia

Photo of Peyssonnelia (Peyssonnelia squamaria)Photo of Peyssonnelia (Peyssonnelia squamaria)

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Peyssonnelia?
Peyssonnelia (Peyssonnelia squamaria) reaches 3–15 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Peyssonnelia?
Peyssonnelia is found between 5–60 m deep.
Is the Peyssonnelia dangerous to divers?
Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Peyssonnelia?
IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Peyssonnelia?
Found in: East Atlantic, Mediterranean.

Similar species

  • Dictyota dichotoma - Forkweed
  • Sargassum vulgare - Common sargassum
  • Codium bursa - Ball alga
  • Halimeda tuna - Halimeda
  • Posidonia oceanica - Neptune grass
  • Cymodocea nodosa - Little Neptune grass

Sources

  • Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 145288)
  • Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
  • Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2667893)
  • Conservation: IUCN Red List
  • Encyclopedia: Wikipedia