Baitweed

Description:

Ulva compressa, commonly known as baitweed in Australia, is a marine species of green algae in the family Ulvaceae. It has worldwide distribution. The hair-like thallus are very fine but can grow to a length of approx. 20 cms. Note the small crab and insects give this spotting a sense of scale. This species grows into two shapes: a ruffled form and cylindrical form, which look very different. It sometimes grows as an epiphyte on seagrasses and other algae. (see 2nd reference) This is an edible species.

Habitat:

This spotting was in the intertidal zone of the rock platform below Broken Head, near The Haven at Terrigal Beach on the NSW Central Coast.

Notes:

http://www.mesa.edu.au/marine_algae/