Family: |
Ceramiaceae () |
Max. size: |
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Environment: |
epiphytic; marine |
Distribution: |
Indian Ocean: In Kenya and South Africa; Pacific Ocean: In Japan and Korea. |
Diagnosis: |
Thalli form woolly tufts composed of uniseriate filaments to 40 mm high. Filaments are opposite-distichously branched with indeterminate branches being formed every (1-) 2 (-5) segments. The apical parts of the axes show a distinctive sinusoidal curving. Corticating rhizoids arise from the lower cells of the laterals and form a loose rag-like cortex. The periaxial cells are 100-115 um in diameter and bear spherical vesicular cells, 8-15 um in diameter on their abaxial side. Decussately divided tetrasporangia develop on the adaxial side of the periaxial cells of the laterals. Tetrasporangia are ovoid, 30-55 um long and 30-38 um wide. Gametophytes were not observed (Ref. 82093). |
Biology: |
Balliella crouanioides is a common component of the sublittoral zone (-20 to -35 m), where it forms distinctive orangy-iridescent tufts on a variety of substrates (coral debris, various algae, sponges, etc.) (Ref. 82093). |
IUCN Red List Status: |
Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. 123251)
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Threat to humans: |
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Country info: |
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