Japanese Wireweed (Sargassum muticum)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Sargassum muticum
- Common name
- Japanese Wireweed
- Category
- Algae
- Family
- Sargassaceae
- Genus
- Sargassum
- Size
- 50–150 cm
- Depth
- 0–15 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- rocky-reef
- Behaviours
- benthic
- Ocean zones
- East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean
Description
Sargassum muticum reaches 1.5 m. Asian benthic brown alga, major invasive in Mediterranean and Atlantic since 1970s. Accidentally introduced by shipping. Establishes in rocky coastal zones, competes with natives. Forms dense algal carpets disrupting ecosystems. Control difficult. Least threatened globally (invasive) = LC. Major European coastal invasive management issue.
Photo of Japanese Wireweed
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Japanese Wireweed?
- Japanese Wireweed (Sargassum muticum) reaches 50–150 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Japanese Wireweed?
- Japanese Wireweed is found between 0–15 m deep.
- Is the Japanese Wireweed dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Japanese Wireweed?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Japanese Wireweed?
- Found in: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.
Other species in the genus Sargassum
- Sargassum vulgare - Common sargassum
- Sargassum natans - Floating Sargassum
- Sargassum fluitans - Gulf Sargassum
- Sargassum horneri - Horner's Sargassum
- Sargassum filipendula - Filmy 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 494791)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 3197314)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia