Red Algae

Common Name

Red Algae

Scientific Name

Rhodophyta

Kingdom

Protista

Order

Gigartinales

Family

Gigartinaceae

Habitat

Red algae are originated in the region of the world from polar to tropical waters, and are usually found in surge pools and in coral reefs.

Uses

Red algae are eaten by fish, crustaceans, worms and gastropods.Red algae are also eaten by humans. Two examples are nori, which is used in sushi, and Irish moss, which can be made into pudding.

Size

3 to 20 cm

Types

Approximately 6,500 to 10,000 types are known, almost all of which are sea, with about 200 types are that only live in fresh water. Some Species and genera are: Cyanidioschyzon merolae, a primitive red algae, Atractophora hypnoides, Gelidiella calcicola, Lemanea, a freshwater genus, Palmaria palmata, dulse, Schmitzia hiscockiana, Chondrus crispus, Irish moss, Mastocarpus stellatus, Vanvoorstia bennettiana, became extinct in the early 20th century, Acrochaetium efflorescens

Edible

dulse (Palmaria palmata above) and Carrageen Moss (Chondrus crispus and Mastocarpus stellatus).

Color

red, reddish or purplish