Coarse sea lace • Microcladia borealis
Image courtesy of Sandra Lindstrom. Collection number SCL 15327 in the UBC Herbarium Algae Database; search the specimen in the database for more information, or search the species for more occurrences.
Identification
A key identifying characteristic of this highly-branched, perennial red alga is branch tips that curve inward to resemble crab claws (forcipate branch tips). Branches alternate off the main axis, followed by pectinate (comb-like) branching off the secondary axis. This pectinate branching pattern - off only one side of an axis - continues for a further four or five orders of branching, and is clearly visible in this photo of coarse sea lace. While coarse sea lace generally grows to lengths of 10-20 cm, it can reach up to 40 cm long. It ranges from dark red to olive brown.
Habitat & Range
Coarse sea lace grows on rocks, and occasionally other kelp, in the mid- to low intertidal of semi-exposed shorelines. Its range extends from southern California north to northern Alaska, and west to the Aleutian Islands and Commander Islands.
Similar Species
Delicate sea lace (Microcladia coulteri) is also highly-branched with forcipate branch tips. It can be distinguished by its branching pattern, however, which is alternate throughout all orders and gives the seaweed a more symmetrical appearance. Hairy pottery seaweed (Ceramium pacificum) also has forcipate branch tips.
A key identifying characteristic of this highly-branched, perennial red alga is branch tips that curve inward to resemble crab claws (forcipate branch tips). Branches alternate off the main axis, followed by pectinate (comb-like) branching off the secondary axis. This pectinate branching pattern - off only one side of an axis - continues for a further four or five orders of branching, and is clearly visible in this photo of coarse sea lace. While coarse sea lace generally grows to lengths of 10-20 cm, it can reach up to 40 cm long. It ranges from dark red to olive brown.
Habitat & Range
Coarse sea lace grows on rocks, and occasionally other kelp, in the mid- to low intertidal of semi-exposed shorelines. Its range extends from southern California north to northern Alaska, and west to the Aleutian Islands and Commander Islands.
Similar Species
Delicate sea lace (Microcladia coulteri) is also highly-branched with forcipate branch tips. It can be distinguished by its branching pattern, however, which is alternate throughout all orders and gives the seaweed a more symmetrical appearance. Hairy pottery seaweed (Ceramium pacificum) also has forcipate branch tips.
References
Holmes, J. (2007). Microcladia borealis (Coarse sea lace). Beach Watchers. Washington State University. Accessed 15/06/2015.
Lamb, A., and Hanby, B. (2005). Marine Life of the Pacific Northwest [electronic version]. Madeira Park, BC: Harbour Publishing.
Lindberg, M. and Lindstrom, S. (2010). Microcladia borealis Coarse Sea Lace Seaweeds of Alaska. Accessed 15/06/2015.
Authors and editors of page
Kelly Fretwell and Brian Starzomski (2015).
Holmes, J. (2007). Microcladia borealis (Coarse sea lace). Beach Watchers. Washington State University. Accessed 15/06/2015.
Lamb, A., and Hanby, B. (2005). Marine Life of the Pacific Northwest [electronic version]. Madeira Park, BC: Harbour Publishing.
Lindberg, M. and Lindstrom, S. (2010). Microcladia borealis Coarse Sea Lace Seaweeds of Alaska. Accessed 15/06/2015.
Authors and editors of page
Kelly Fretwell and Brian Starzomski (2015).
