Sea moss, nail brush seaweed • Endocladia muricata
{Endocladia = inside branch}
Identification
This perennial red alga is a pinkish, rusty red, or brown that darkens as it dries - completely dry specimens can be almost black. When dry it has a rough, wiry texture that resembles a dish scrub pad. The thallus consists of many cylindrical branches that form bushy tufts; branching is roughly dichotomous. The branches are covered in short "spines" (small branches) - a distinguishing feature of this species. The rough texture from these spines can be seen on branches without magnification, but a 10X hand lens can confirm their presence. Sea moss ranges between 3-8cm in height and varies in diameter.
Habitat & Range
Sea Moss prefers the high to mid-intertidal, often forming bands on rocks in exposed to semi-exposed locations. It can be found along the coast from northern Alaska to northern Mexico.
Similar Species
Jelly moss (Gloiopeltis furcata) can appear similar, but is easily distinguished upon close examination as it lacks the small "spines" of sea moss. Jelly moss also has a slippery, rubbery texture when wet, and is usually less bushy. The two may be found growing together, though jelly moss is not as hardy and so tends to be found in less exposed locations.
Intriguing Info
Dry specimens of sea moss are very brittle and smash easily when stepped on, yet will rehydrate easily once the tide rises back to their level. As it is found in the high intertidal sea moss is out of water more than it is submerged; its bushy form allows it to retain enough moisture to survive this largely terrestrial existence.
iNaturalist
https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/117781-Endocladia-muricata
This perennial red alga is a pinkish, rusty red, or brown that darkens as it dries - completely dry specimens can be almost black. When dry it has a rough, wiry texture that resembles a dish scrub pad. The thallus consists of many cylindrical branches that form bushy tufts; branching is roughly dichotomous. The branches are covered in short "spines" (small branches) - a distinguishing feature of this species. The rough texture from these spines can be seen on branches without magnification, but a 10X hand lens can confirm their presence. Sea moss ranges between 3-8cm in height and varies in diameter.
Habitat & Range
Sea Moss prefers the high to mid-intertidal, often forming bands on rocks in exposed to semi-exposed locations. It can be found along the coast from northern Alaska to northern Mexico.
Similar Species
Jelly moss (Gloiopeltis furcata) can appear similar, but is easily distinguished upon close examination as it lacks the small "spines" of sea moss. Jelly moss also has a slippery, rubbery texture when wet, and is usually less bushy. The two may be found growing together, though jelly moss is not as hardy and so tends to be found in less exposed locations.
Intriguing Info
Dry specimens of sea moss are very brittle and smash easily when stepped on, yet will rehydrate easily once the tide rises back to their level. As it is found in the high intertidal sea moss is out of water more than it is submerged; its bushy form allows it to retain enough moisture to survive this largely terrestrial existence.
iNaturalist
https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/117781-Endocladia-muricata
References
Druehl, L. 2000. Pacific Seaweeds: A guide to common seaweeds of the west coast. Harbour Publishing: Madeira Park, BC, Canada. Pp. 125.
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). Endocladia muricata. Seaweeds of Alaska. Accessed 01/12/2014.
O'Clair, R. and Lindstrom, S. Endocladia muricata (Postels et Ruprecht) J. Agardh. In Klinkenberg, Brian. (Ed.). E-Flora BC: Electronic Atlas of the Plants of British Columbia. Lab for Advanced Spatial Analysis, Department of Geography, University of British Columbia, Vancouver. Accessed 01/12/2014.
Authors and editors of page
Kelly Fretwell, Bridget Woods, and Brian Starzomski (2014).
Druehl, L. 2000. Pacific Seaweeds: A guide to common seaweeds of the west coast. Harbour Publishing: Madeira Park, BC, Canada. Pp. 125.
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). Endocladia muricata. Seaweeds of Alaska. Accessed 01/12/2014.
O'Clair, R. and Lindstrom, S. Endocladia muricata (Postels et Ruprecht) J. Agardh. In Klinkenberg, Brian. (Ed.). E-Flora BC: Electronic Atlas of the Plants of British Columbia. Lab for Advanced Spatial Analysis, Department of Geography, University of British Columbia, Vancouver. Accessed 01/12/2014.
Authors and editors of page
Kelly Fretwell, Bridget Woods, and Brian Starzomski (2014).