Betaphycus gelatinum (Esper) Doty
Prostrate eucheuma
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Family:  Areschougiaceae ()
Max. size: 
Environment:  sessile; marine
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific Ocean.
Diagnosis:  Thalli prostrate, attached to rocky substrate by well-developed haptera which arise from the bottom surface of the branches. Branching irregular, the branches flattened and segmented, with numerous spinose processes limited to their margins and ventral surface. Compacted thick-walled rhizoidal filaments are present at the centre of the medulla. Thalli up to 14 cm in length (Ref. 80758).
Biology:  Utilized for human consumption; source of carrageenan (Ref. 80758) Inhabits intertidal areas strongly attached to rocky or coralline substrate near reef margins exposed to strong wave action or currents. Usually forms belts parallel to the reef margin at 0.3 m above to average low tide levels. (Ref. 80758).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. 123251)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 

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