Marine Algae of Cape Cod, Massachusetts and Adjacent Islands

A guide to the marine algae of Cape Cod and adjacent islands. The list of species is based on the historical (ca. 1873-1978) specimen collection of the MBLWHOI Library Herbarium (SPWH) in ...more ↓

Ulva flexuosa paradoxa

Depth range based on 2 specimens in 1 taxon.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 0 - 5

Graphical representation

Depth range (m): 0 - 5 ...more ↓

Ulva intestinalis

Ulva intestinalis is a green alga in the phylum Chlorophyta, of the genus Ulva (sea lettuce), also known by the common names gutweed and grass kelp. Until they were reclassified by genetic work completed in the early 2000s, the tubular members of the genus Ulva were in the genus Enteromorpha.

Ulva compressa

Ulva compressa is a species of seaweed in Ulvaceae family that can be found in North America, Mediterranean Sea, and throughout Africa and Australia.

Ulva linza

 Ulva linza is a large, ribbon-like species of green seaweed that may reach up to 30 cm in length. The thalli are unbranched and often have a frilled margin. The thalli taper into a distinct stipe below and are highly compressed. The width of the thallus is greater in the middle than at the base and may reach 5 cm in width. Ulva linza is bright light to dark green in ...more ↓

Ulva prolifera

Ulva prolifera is a species of seaweed in Ulvaceae family that can be found worldwide.

Eudesme virescens

Depth range based on 10 specimens in 1 taxon.
Water temperature and chemistry ranges based on 1 sample.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 0 - 6.4
  Temperature range (°C): 11.855 - 11.855
  Nitrate (umol/L): 6.151 - 6.151
  Salinity (PPS): 35.184 - 35.184
  Oxygen (ml/l): 6.128 - 6.128
  Phosphate (umol/l): 0.418 - 0.418
  Silicate (umol/l): 3.285 - ...more ↓

Fucus evanescens

Depth range based on 4 specimens in 1 taxon.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 0 - 21.94

Graphical representation

Depth range (m): 0 - 21.94 ...more ↓

Spiral Wrack

Fucus spiralis is a species of seaweed, a brown alga (Heterokontophyta, Phaeophyceae), living on the littoral shore of the Atlantic coasts of Europe and North America. It has the common names of spiral wrack and flat wrack.

Bladder Wrack

Fucus vesiculosus, known by the common name bladder wrack or bladderwrack, is a seaweed found on the coasts of the North Sea, the western Baltic Sea, and the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, also known by the common names black tang, rockweed, bladder fucus, sea oak, black tany, cut weed, dyers fucus, red fucus, ...more ↓

Gayralia oxysperma

Depth range based on 32 specimens in 1 taxon.
Water temperature and chemistry ranges based on 11 samples.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 5 - 76.8
  Temperature range (°C): 23.278 - 26.525
  Nitrate (umol/L): 0.732 - 2.380
  Salinity (PPS): 35.095 - 35.493
  Oxygen (ml/l): 4.230 - 4.703
  Phosphate (umol/l): 0.121 - 0.308
  Silicate (umol/l): 0.869 - ...more ↓

Gelidium pusillum

Depth range based on 108 specimens in 5 taxa.
Water temperature and chemistry ranges based on 15 samples.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 0 - 37
  Temperature range (°C): 11.845 - 27.421
  Nitrate (umol/L): 0.086 - 5.063
  Salinity (PPS): 34.929 - 37.169
  Oxygen (ml/l): 4.657 - 6.138
  Phosphate (umol/l): 0.077 - 0.336
  Silicate (umol/l): 1.514 - ...more ↓

Gloiosiphonia capillaris

Depth range based on 2 specimens in 1 taxon.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 0 - 6.8

Graphical representation

Depth range (m): 0 - 6.8 ...more ↓

Gracilaria tikvahiae

Gracilaria tikvahiae is a highly opportunistic species common in estuaries and bays, especially where nutrient loading leads to either seasonal or year-round eutrophication (Peckol and Rivers 1995a, 1995b). Its morphology is highly variable, with colors ranging from dark green to shades of red and brown; with outer branches that can be either somewhat flattened or cylindrical in shape ...more ↓

Griffithsia globulifera

Depth range based on 30 specimens in 1 taxon.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 4.34 - 27.43

Graphical representation

Depth range (m): 4.34 - 27.43 ...more ↓

Grinnellia americana

Depth range based on 145 specimens in 1 taxon.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 0 - 155.46

Graphical representation

Depth range (m): 0 - 155.46 ...more ↓

Halosiphon tomentosus

Depth range based on 5 specimens in 1 taxon.
Water temperature and chemistry ranges based on 2 samples.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 0 - 3
  Temperature range (°C): 3.246 - 3.246
  Nitrate (umol/L): 3.246 - 3.246
  Salinity (PPS): 34.607 - 34.607
  Oxygen (ml/l): 7.489 - 7.489
  Phosphate (umol/l): 0.380 - 0.380
  Silicate (umol/l): 3.088 - ...more ↓

Hildenbrandia rubra

Depth range based on 107 specimens in 1 taxon.
Water temperature and chemistry ranges based on 12 samples.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 0 - 23
  Temperature range (°C): 11.471 - 26.692
  Nitrate (umol/L): 0.923 - 5.063
  Salinity (PPS): 35.037 - 35.211
  Oxygen (ml/l): 4.685 - 6.200
  Phosphate (umol/l): 0.122 - 0.421
  Silicate (umol/l): 0.983 - ...more ↓

Hincksia mitchelliae

Depth range based on 6 specimens in 2 taxa.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 0 - 8

Graphical representation

Depth range (m): 0 - 8 ...more ↓

Hypnea musciformis

Depth range based on 20 specimens in 5 taxa.
Water temperature and chemistry ranges based on 2 samples.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 0 - 82
  Temperature range (°C): 22.204 - 24.821
  Nitrate (umol/L): 1.216 - 2.331
  Salinity (PPS): 36.438 - 36.667
  Oxygen (ml/l): 4.848 - 4.849
  Phosphate (umol/l): 0.191 - 0.283
  Silicate (umol/l): 2.381 - ...more ↓

Laminaria digitata

Laminaria digitata is a large brown alga in the family Laminariaceae, also known by the common name Oarweed. It is found in the sublittoral zone of the northern Atlantic Ocean.

Leathesia marina (Lyngbye) Decaisne

Class: Phaeophyceae
Order: Ectocarpales
Family: Chordariaceae
Source URL: http://www.algaebase.org/search/species/detail/?species_id=nf66c7c604cbba2ac

Lomentaria divaricata (Durant) M.J. Wynne

Phylum: Rhodophyta
Class: Florideophyceae
Order: Rhodymeniales
Family: Lomentariaceae
Source URL: http://www.algaebase.org/search/species/detail/?species_id=Fc6dfb93996328908

Mastocarpus stellatus (Stackhouse) Guiry

Phylum: Rhodophyta
Class: Florideophyceae
Order: Gigartinales
Family: Phyllophoraceae
Source URL: http://www.algaebase.org/search/species/detail/?species_id=V222388bd0e8bac1f

Membranoptera alata (Hudson) Stackhouse

Phylum: Rhodophyta
Class: Florideophyceae
Order: Ceramiales
Family: Delesseriaceae
Source URL: http://www.algaebase.org/search/species/detail/?species_id=W1efaf59404ede358

Myrionema strangulans Greville

Class: Phaeophyceae
Order: Ectocarpales
Family: Chordariaceae
Source URL: http://www.algaebase.org/search/species/detail/?species_id=Dcf85602766d501ad

Nemalion helminthoides (Velley) Batters

Phylum: Rhodophyta
Class: Florideophyceae
Order: Nemaliales
Family: Liagoraceae
Source URL: http://www.algaebase.org/search/species/detail/?species_id=Kb2dc3314e22d5e1a

Palmaria palmata (Linnaeus) F. Weber & D. Mohr

Phylum: Rhodophyta
Class: Florideophyceae
Order: Palmariales
Family: Palmariaceae
Source URL: http://www.algaebase.org/search/species/detail/?species_id=b79a88483d8527c6f

Petalonia fascia (O.F.Müller) Kuntze

Class: Phaeophyceae
Order: Ectocarpales
Family: Scytosiphonaceae
Source URL: http://www.algaebase.org/search/species/detail/?species_id=r8c344d4a7a074bef

Phycodrys rubens (Linnaeus) Batters

Phylum: Rhodophyta
Class: Florideophyceae
Order: Ceramiales
Family: Delesseriaceae
Source URL: http://www.algaebase.org/search/species/detail/?species_id=h1e6eda5abecfa4ec

Phyllophora pseudoceranoides (S.G.Gmelin) Newroth & A.R.A.Taylor

Phylum: Rhodophyta
Class: Florideophyceae
Order: Gigartinales
Family: Phyllophoraceae
Source URL: http://www.algaebase.org/search/species/detail/?species_id=o4968e87ac3348ae6

Pylaiella littoralis (Linnaeus) Kjellman

Class: Phaeophyceae
Order: Ectocarpales
Family: Acinetosporaceae
Source URL: http://www.algaebase.org/search/species/detail/?species_id=g438e458b58f70f5c

Plumaria plumosa (Hudson) Kuntze

Phylum: Rhodophyta
Class: Florideophyceae
Order: Ceramiales
Family: Wrangeliaceae
Source URL: http://www.algaebase.org/search/species/detail/?species_id=kf191840c0cb0eaf7

Polyides rotundus (Hudson) Greville

Phylum: Rhodophyta
Class: Florideophyceae
Order: Gigartinales
Family: Polyidaceae
Source URL: http://www.algaebase.org/search/species/detail/?species_id=cf2d476c9600d1322

Polysiphonia elongata (Hudson) Sprengel

Phylum: Rhodophyta
Class: Florideophyceae
Order: Ceramiales
Family: Rhodomelaceae
Source URL: http://www.algaebase.org/search/species/detail/?species_id=fa242aae70fdf6ac1

Rhodomela confervoides

Depth range based on 51 specimens in 1 taxon.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 0 - 21.94

Graphical representation

Depth range (m): 0 - 21.94 ...more ↓

Polysiphonia lanosa

 A small reddish-brown filamentous alga most commonly associated with the fucoid alga Ascophyllum nodosum. The filaments are made up of a ring of 12 -24 elongated cells or siphons surrounding a central siphon. The plant is found wherever the host is common. Polysiphonia lanosa has occasionally been recorded as an epiphyte on Fucus serratus and Fucus vesiculosus ...more ↓

Polysiphonia nigrescens

Depth range based on 141 specimens in 1 taxon.
Water temperature and chemistry ranges based on 1 sample.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 0 - 27.43
  Temperature range (°C): 11.845 - 11.845
  Nitrate (umol/L): 5.063 - 5.063
  Salinity (PPS): 35.203 - 35.203
  Oxygen (ml/l): 6.138 - 6.138
  Phosphate (umol/l): 0.336 - 0.336
  Silicate (umol/l): 2.448 - ...more ↓

Agardhiella subulata

Depth range based on 110 specimens in 1 taxon.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 0 - 27.43

Graphical representation

Depth range (m): 0 - 27.43 ...more ↓

Aglaothamnion halliae

Depth range based on 2 specimens in 1 taxon.
Water temperature and chemistry ranges based on 2 samples.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 46.3 - 106
  Temperature range (°C): 22.765 - 23.542
  Nitrate (umol/L): 1.734 - 1.918
  Salinity (PPS): 36.583 - 36.727
  Oxygen (ml/l): 4.795 - 4.843
  Phosphate (umol/l): 0.218 - 0.228
  Silicate (umol/l): 1.785 - ...more ↓

Callithamnion roseum

Depth range based on 34 specimens in 1 taxon.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 2 - 24.69

Graphical representation

Depth range (m): 2 - 24.69 ...more ↓

Landlady's Wig

Ahnfeltia plicata, the landlady's wig, is a species of red alga in the family Ahnfeltiaceae. It grows in northern parts of the Atlantic Ocean.

Alaria esculenta

 Short cylindrical stipe (exceptionally up to 75 cm) continuing as a distinct midrib throughout the length of the narrow, ribbon-like, slightly wavy blade. Attached to substrate by claw-like holdfast termed haptera. The blade is yellowish, olive-green or rich brown in colour, supple to the touch and very flexible. Blade length varies seasonally but is usually between 30 cm - 1.5 m ...more ↓

Anotrichium tenue

Depth range based on 45 specimens in 1 taxon.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 0 - 46.6067

Graphical representation

Depth range (m): 0 - 46.6067 ...more ↓

Knotted Wrack

 A common large brown seaweed, dominant on sheltered rocky shores. The species has long strap like fronds with large egg-shaped air bladders at regular intervals. The fronds of Ascophyllum nodosum are typically between 0.5 and 2m in length. The species often bears tufts of the small reddish-brown filamentous epiphytic algae Polysiphonia lanosa. Ascophyllum nodosum occurs ...more ↓

Blidingia minima

Blidingia minima is a species of seaweed in the Ulvaceae family. It was described by Johann Kylin in 1947.

Bonnemaisonia hamifera

Gametangial phase much branched, to 20 cms in length. Branches spirally in pairs of unequal length. Some branches form reflexed hooks by which it attaches itself to other algae.

 The tetrasporangial phase Trailliella is monosiphonous, irregularly branched and although only a few cms long is readily identified by the small colourless cell at the upper end, and set to the side, ...more ↓

Bryopsis hypnoides

Thicketweed is a delicate-looking seaweed, just like its family member hen pen. However, the fronds look more like tufts than feathers. It consists of a single cell with many cell nuclei, without partitions. In the Netherlands, thicketweed is only found in the delta region, particularly in the Grevelingen, and in brackish water canals. It grows well near freshwater nutrient-rich inlets.

Bryopsis plumosa

 Bryopsis plumosa is a large, feathery species of green seaweed. The thalli are erect, feather-like and may reach up to 15 cm in height. It is easily recognised by its delicate branches. All branches are regularly arranged in two rows on opposite sides of the central filament. The lengths of the branches decrease gradually from the base of the plant. It is usually dark to mid-green in ...more ↓

Callithamnion corymbosum

Depth range based on 14 specimens in 1 taxon.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 0 - 7.31

Graphical representation

Depth range (m): 0 - 7.31 ...more ↓

Callithamnion tetragonum

Depth range based on 36 specimens in 1 taxon.
Water temperature and chemistry ranges based on 2 samples.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 0 - 24.69
  Temperature range (°C): 11.845 - 12.348
  Nitrate (umol/L): 4.729 - 5.063
  Salinity (PPS): 35.203 - 35.363
  Oxygen (ml/l): 6.138 - 6.151
  Phosphate (umol/l): 0.336 - 0.351
  Silicate (umol/l): 2.448 - ...more ↓

Callophyllis cristata

Depth range based on 1 specimen in 1 taxon.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 0 - 0
 
Note: this information has not been validated. Check this note. Your feedback is most welcome.

Ceramium tenuicorne

Depth range based on 1 specimen in 1 taxon.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 0.75 - 0.75
 
Note: this information has not been validated. Check this note. Your feedback is most welcome.

Chaetomorpha aerea

Chaetomorpha aerea is a species of green algae of the family Cladophoraceae.

Sea Hair

Chaetomorpha linum is a species of green algae of the family Cladophoraceae.

Chaetomorpha melagonium

Chaetomorpha melagonium is a species of green algae of the family Cladophoraceae.

Chondria capillaris

Depth range based on 7 specimens in 1 taxon.
Water temperature and chemistry ranges based on 4 samples.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 0 - 15
  Temperature range (°C): 11.721 - 17.140
  Nitrate (umol/L): 0.211 - 7.121
  Salinity (PPS): 35.333 - 37.926
  Oxygen (ml/l): 5.513 - 6.151
  Phosphate (umol/l): 0.131 - 0.439
  Silicate (umol/l): 1.247 - ...more ↓

Chondria dasyphylla

Depth range based on 40 specimens in 1 taxon.
Water temperature and chemistry ranges based on 4 samples.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 0 - 18.29
  Temperature range (°C): 11.855 - 12.348
  Nitrate (umol/L): 4.729 - 6.151
  Salinity (PPS): 35.184 - 35.363
  Oxygen (ml/l): 6.128 - 6.174
  Phosphate (umol/l): 0.351 - 0.418
  Silicate (umol/l): 2.578 - ...more ↓

Irish Moss

 Chondrus crispus is a small purplish-red seaweed (up to 22 cm long) found on rocky shores and in pools. The fronds grow dichotomously from a narrow, unbranched stipe and are flat and wide with rounded tips. This seaweed is highly variable in appearance depending on the level of wave exposure of the shore and has a tendency to turn green in strong sunlight. Underwater, the tips of the ...more ↓

Chorda filum

 Chorda filum is a brown seaweed with long cord-like fronds, only 5 mm thick in diameter. The fronds are hollow, slippery, unbranched and grow up to 8 m long. The species attaches to the substratum using a small discoid holdfast. It is an annual species, disappearing in winter.Other common names include mermaid's tresses and cat gut.

Chordaria flagelliformis

Found year round on Martha's Vineyard in the lower intertidal zone.

Cladophora albida

Depth range based on 6 specimens in 2 taxa.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 0 - 14.63

Graphical representation

Depth range (m): 0 - 14.63 ...more ↓

Cladosiphon zosterae

Depth range based on 16 specimens in 1 taxon.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 5 - 5
 
Note: this information has not been validated. Check this note. Your feedback is most welcome.

Cladostephus spongiosus

Fairly stiffly branched fronds growing from a discoid holdfast, covered with small branchlets arranged in whorls. Maximum length usually about 15 cms.

Coccotylus truncatus

Depth range based on 24 specimens in 1 taxon.
Water temperature and chemistry ranges based on 2 samples.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 1 - 26.97
  Temperature range (°C): 3.247 - 11.244
  Nitrate (umol/L): 3.445 - 4.909
  Salinity (PPS): 34.649 - 35.218
  Oxygen (ml/l): 6.204 - 7.478
  Phosphate (umol/l): 0.398 - 0.452
  Silicate (umol/l): 2.311 - ...more ↓

Codium fragile fragile

 Codium fragile fragile is a dark green seaweed composed of erect, dichotomously branched fronds. These may be up to 1 m in length. The branches are round in cross section but may be flattened beneath dichotomies of branches. The branches are soft with a velvety texture. The fronds usually arise from a spongy disc-shaped holdfast. The subspecies of Codium fragile found in ...more ↓

Common Coralline

Corallina officinalis is a calcareous red seaweed which grows in the lower and mid-littoral zones on rocky shores.

Cystoclonium purpureum

Depth range based on 182 specimens in 2 taxa.
Water temperature and chemistry ranges based on 5 samples.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 0 - 32
  Temperature range (°C): 11.471 - 12.348
  Nitrate (umol/L): 4.729 - 5.063
  Salinity (PPS): 35.203 - 35.363
  Oxygen (ml/l): 6.138 - 6.200
  Phosphate (umol/l): 0.336 - 0.421
  Silicate (umol/l): 2.315 - ...more ↓

Dasya baillouviana

Depth range based on 38 specimens in 1 taxon.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 0 - 24.69

Graphical representation

Depth range (m): 0 - 24.69 ...more ↓

Desmarestia aculeata

Depth range based on 240 specimens in 1 taxon.
Water temperature and chemistry ranges based on 12 samples.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 0 - 32.3
  Temperature range (°C): 11.646 - 12.348
  Nitrate (umol/L): 4.729 - 6.816
  Salinity (PPS): 35.008 - 35.363
  Oxygen (ml/l): 6.095 - 6.346
  Phosphate (umol/l): 0.335 - 0.425
  Silicate (umol/l): 2.448 - ...more ↓

Desmarestia viridis

Desmarestia viridis is a species of brown algae found worldwide. Its common names include stringy acid kelp, green acid kelp, sea sorrel and Desmarest's green weed. The light brown thallus is delicate with a disc-shaped holdfast. It releases sulfuric acid when damaged, destroying itself and nearby seaweeds in the process. They are found in shallow ...more ↓

Dictyosiphon foeniculaceus

Summer annual on Martha's Vineyard in sublittoral pools.

Dumontia contorta

You don't expect seaweeds to flourish in the winter, but Dumontia contorta does. That is, it germinates in the autumn on stones and develops long thin fronds in late winter and early spring. It slowly perishes by the end of May. The only evidence you find of this seaweed in the summer is its base (the holdfast), attached to rocks. It is relatively common in tidal pools in the Wadden Sea and ...more ↓

Ectocarpus fasciculatus

Depth range based on 9 specimens in 1 taxon.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 0 - 14.63

Graphical representation

Depth range (m): 0 - 14.63 ...more ↓

Ectocarpus siliculosus

Ectocarpus siliculosus is a filamentous brown alga (Heterokontophyta). Its genome was the first brown macroalgal genome to be sequenced, with the expectation that E. siliculosus will serve as a genetic and genomic model for brown macroalgae.

Elachista fucicola

Found commonly year round on Martha's Vineyard open coasts.

Ulva clathrata

Depth range based on 25 specimens in 1 taxon.
Water temperature and chemistry ranges based on 2 samples.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 0 - 28.8
  Temperature range (°C): 26.525 - 26.626
  Nitrate (umol/L): 0.565 - 0.732
  Salinity (PPS): 35.083 - 35.095
  Oxygen (ml/l): 4.572 - 4.657
  Phosphate (umol/l): 0.120 - 0.121
  Silicate (umol/l): 0.869 - ...more ↓

Edited by Joseph deVeer, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)