Anne Hoggett / Lizard Island Research Station, Australien
Info
Dictyosphaeria versluysii is a gray-green, sometimes bluish-colored, cushion-shaped macroalgae that often forms clusters/colony on exposed reef plateaus, preferably between rocks, next to corals and coral debris.
The algae has a firm, tough texture consisting of large, bubble-shaped cells that are easily visible to the naked eye.
The rhizoids are short, usually unbranched, and this algae often has the appearance of green berries.
Each thallus can reach a diameter of 5 cm.
Dictyosphaeria versluysii occurs in both calm habitats and areas with strong waves or currents.
In areas with tidal changes, Dictyosphaeria versluysii can often be observed in tidal pools at low tide.
Algae are important oxygen producers and a popular food source for various marine animals, such as sea turtles.
Dictyosphaeria versluysii occurs globally in warm oceans and is particularly common on the East African coast of the Western Indian Ocean.
Similar species: Dictyosphaeria cavernosa (Forsskål) Børgesen, 1932
Synonyms:
Dictyosphaeria bokotensis Yamada, 1925 · unaccepted (synonym)
Dictyosphaeria setchellii Børgesen, 1940 · unaccepted (synonym)
Dictyosphaeria vanbosseae Børgesen, 1912 · unaccepted (synonym)
The algae has a firm, tough texture consisting of large, bubble-shaped cells that are easily visible to the naked eye.
The rhizoids are short, usually unbranched, and this algae often has the appearance of green berries.
Each thallus can reach a diameter of 5 cm.
Dictyosphaeria versluysii occurs in both calm habitats and areas with strong waves or currents.
In areas with tidal changes, Dictyosphaeria versluysii can often be observed in tidal pools at low tide.
Algae are important oxygen producers and a popular food source for various marine animals, such as sea turtles.
Dictyosphaeria versluysii occurs globally in warm oceans and is particularly common on the East African coast of the Western Indian Ocean.
Similar species: Dictyosphaeria cavernosa (Forsskål) Børgesen, 1932
Synonyms:
Dictyosphaeria bokotensis Yamada, 1925 · unaccepted (synonym)
Dictyosphaeria setchellii Børgesen, 1940 · unaccepted (synonym)
Dictyosphaeria vanbosseae Børgesen, 1912 · unaccepted (synonym)
