A worldwide community photographing and learning about wildlife
Project Noah Nature School
Scaberia agardhii
It can be best described as a stalk of green peppercorn. This branched green coloured algae had thick 'stems' with nodular surface. Some of these nodules were enlarged looking like little globes.
Washed up onto the tidal area and into marine rock pools
Thanks to Mark Ridgway for the ID and information. It has taken me 2 years for an ID !!
"In South Australia there is a benthic ctenophore, Coeloplana scaberiae, that lives exclusively on this weed " says A Falconer. They are looking to see if the species of ctenophore lives in waters around Victoria as well.
Family: Sargassaceae
I've since found out that we do have currents from the West - so will continue to look at SA resources as well. I enjoy these discussions !
Currents do flow from west to east across the bight. Leeuwin and Zeehan currents seem to squeeze into Bass Strait. This might not affect your pursuit of an ID though? Recent storms can leave much damaged algae?
Brendan, I had a look at the specimen you've suggested. It seems to have whorls of laterals (blades) arranged around the main stipe. My specimen did not have any such outgrowth. I think the bulbous parts ( pic #2) have a reproductive function. This is a real challenge but I am sure we'll find an ID for this. I'll look at all the links you've given me. I don't think we get any currents from S. Australia so these must be found in Western Port Bay.
Thanks so very much for the ID, Brendan. I was excited seeing this seaweed in a documentary by Nick Baker, from UK. He was off diving somewhere around South Australia. I thought I'd looked everywhere but obviously not.... I must save these links away. I agree about algae - they are very interesting but confusing ! Thanks again.
Spotted on Mar 20, 2013
Submitted on Apr 7, 2013
+1
