Turbinaria ornata
Spiny Algae
Kingdom
Chromista
Phylum
Ochrophyta
Class
Phaeophyceae
Order
Fucales
Family
Sargassaceae
Genus
Turbinaria
Species
Turbinaria ornata
Colours
Distinguishing features
Tough, leathery plants up to about 30 cm high, often much shorter, usually brown or green/brown. Holdfast strong and branching. Upright portions have short stalks bearing numerous distinctive flat blades with stiff spines along the margins and an inner crown on the blade.
Size
- Size data has not been obtained.
Synonyms
Interesting facts
-
Sayings of a Nerdy Marine Biologist, No.2:
“Hold me like a seaweed”
The holdfast of the seaweed or ‘the roots’ can grip on to bare rock while being constantly smashed by waves. It is so strong that the algae or the rock will rip apart before the grip is broken (“he held her so passionately that they would have to literally tear him apart if they wanted to take her away”).
Distribution
Web resources
References
References that assist with identification
- Littler, D.S. and M.M. Littler (2003). South Pacific Reef Plants: A diver's guide to the plant life of South Pacific coral reefs. Offshore Graphics Inc, Washington DC, USA.
Other references
- Brandl, S.J., A.S. Hoey and D.R. Bellwood (2013). Micro-topography mediates interactions between corals, algae, and herbivorous fishes on coral reefs. Coral Reefs, DOI 10.1007/s00338-013-1110-5. LIRS catalog number 1706.
- Burdon-Jones, C. and G.R.W. Denton (1981). Metals in marine organisms from the Great Barrier Reef Province. Part 1. Base line survey,Interim Progress Report, James Cook University, Townsville.. LIRS catalog number 69.
- View all references