Cactus Tree Alga

Description:

Photo take at -35 ft near a coral reef this algae grows from the sand bottom whit other alga´s look like a small cactus about 2 cm long each arm bright green on top and dark green at the bottom common in this area.Trunk-like stalks that divide into thick, heavy, upright branches extend from sand covered runners. The length is variable, from 2-8 cm to 15-25 cm. Branches lined with long rows of short, thick, variously shaped branchlets. May be tall and slender with only a few branches, or short and bushy with numerous branches.

Habitat:

Grow in shallow, protected sandy areas, often adjacent to back patch and fringing reefs.From Florida all the Caribbean sea to Brazil.