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Cryptopleura sp. (Ruffled blade)
Hymenena sp. (Veined blade)
Copyright © 2007 Jan Holmes
Species of these two genera of red seaweed are found on rocks in the lower intertidal and subtidal of our area. Microscopic identification of reproductive structures is needed to positively distinguish between the two. A discoid or slightly lobed holdfast leads to thin blades that are flat, fan-shaped, rose to deep red colored and deeply divided. Blade width is ~1-1.5 cm, blade length can be up to 40 cm (16 in) long but are often much shorter, especially in the intertidal.
Both seaweeds often have veins (actually reproductive structures) running lengthwise or crisscross along the blade, and both can have ruffles or fringe-like extensions around the margins. If the lines are dark and prominent and running lengthwise throughout most of the blade a good "guess" is Hymenena. If the blades have ruffles or fringe, and the reproductive structures are located on or near the edges a good "guess" is Cryptopleura. If you have examined samples on the beach and have taken the time to try to figure it out, please sign up for the next Beach Watcher training course!
This
page was created by Jan Holmes on 1/21/07.
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