Harpoon weed
Observed by Nick Upton
on 20th August 2012
on 20th August 2012(Added to iSpot on 24th August 2012)
Lots of this pretty feather like red seaweed found in Cornish rockpools very low on the shore /subtidally in south Cornwall. I think it must be the invasive Harpoon weed.
Location: Trehunsey Close, Cnwll
Other observations of Harpoon weed (Asparagopsis armata)
Comments
Asparagopsis armata
28 March 2013 - 7:24pm — JoC
Now I look closely at your photo I can see the barbed branches too.
Barbed epiphyte
28 March 2013 - 9:16pm — Nick Upton
Yes, they're quite clear in the foreground among the sea lettuce. A well-named plant!
Nick Upton, naturalist and photographer.
Strange epiphyte
I'm even more sure of the ID now having found more info eg: http://www.seaweed.ie/descriptions/Asparagopsis_armata.php This is a reproductive gametophyte that can float freely or attach to other seaweeds (often Ulva lactuca) as here with barbed branchlets, which are clearly visible. The non reproductive form looks quite different (fluffy red tufts) and is often recorded under another name: Falkenbergia rufolanosa
Nick Upton, naturalist and photographer.