Y-branched Algae

Description:

Photo take at -40 ft on a coral reef very common even invasive. This genus contains several species which are difficult to identify. All have branches that fork near their ends. The tips may be rounded or pointed. Generally they form mats of dense to loose packed flat leaves that overgrow the substrate. Light to medium brown and/or green to blue-green, occasionally with bright blue tints.

Habitat:

Grow in most reef environments; on rocky substrates, often covering boulders, around the base of coral heads and on vertical wall faces. Most common in protected areas.Found from Florida all the Caribbean sea to Brazil.