Filmy Sargassum (Sargassum filipendula)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Sargassum filipendula
- Common name
- Filmy Sargassum
- Category
- Algae
- Family
- Sargassaceae
- Genus
- Sargassum
- Size
- 30–80 cm
- Depth
- 0–10 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- rocky-reef
- Behaviours
- benthic
- Ocean zones
- Caribbean, Eastern Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Macaronesia, Mediterranean
Description
Sargassum filipendula reaches 80 cm. Atlantic benthic brown alga, light filamentous morphology. Shallow rocky zones. Western Atlantic distribution (North America, Caribbean). Less invasive than S. muticum. Least threatened = LC. Native Atlantic alga important refuge for small coastal organisms.
Photo of Filmy Sargassum
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Filmy Sargassum?
- Filmy Sargassum (Sargassum filipendula) reaches 30–80 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Filmy Sargassum?
- Filmy Sargassum is found between 0–10 m deep.
- Is the Filmy Sargassum dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Filmy Sargassum?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Filmy Sargassum?
- Found in: Caribbean, Eastern Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.
Other species in the genus Sargassum
- Sargassum vulgare - Common sargassum
- Sargassum natans - Floating Sargassum
- Sargassum fluitans - Gulf Sargassum
- Sargassum muticum - Japanese Wireweed
- Sargassum horneri - Horner's Sargassum
Other species in the family Sargassaceae
- Cystoseira amentacea - Mediterranean cystoseira
- Turbinaria ornata - Ornate Turbinaria
- Turbinaria conoides - Conical Turbinaria
- Cystoseira brachycarpa - Short-fruited Cystoseira
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 494800)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 3197095)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia