Chlorodesmis fastigiata
(Turtle Weed)
Classification
| Division:
|
Chlorophycota
|
| Class:
|
Chlorophyceae
|
| Family:
|
Codiaceae
|
Geographic Range
Turtle weed is most often found in coral reefs of Queensland, New South Wales, Lord Howe Island, Indonesia, Kenya, and Mozambique.
Physical Characteristics
| Height: | 170mm |
| Diameter: | 6 - 20 cm (family range) |
Turtle Weed is an algae and emerald green in color. The filaments are woven together to form the siphonous plant. It is thinly branched and found in tufts and patches along the sea floor. It has filaments that repeatedly divide into equal branches.
Natural History
Reproduction
Little is known about the reproductive system of turtle weed. There are over 7,000 species of green algae. These 7,000 species use a range of reproductive methods, both sexual and asexual. Like some close relatives, it is thought that turtle weed may reproduce through a haploid life cycle.
Habitat
Turtle Weed is found in reefs and on rocks from areas of low-tide to the wave-exposed subtidal zone.
Conservation/Biodiversity
Chlorodesmis is one of 17 species in the Codiaceae family, 10 of which occur in on the coasts of the United States. Many of the members of this family are the largest of the green algae. Turtle weed has been determined to not pose weed risk to Western Australia. Many reef dwelling animals feed on the turtle weed including angel fish. A greenish crab, Caphyra rotundifrons is often found sheltering itself in tufts of turtle weed.
Economic Benefits for Humans
Positive
Turtle weed acts as a filter in marine environments. It can be used in many salt water aquariums to help keep the water clean.
Comments
When chewed, the filaments have a grassy flavor, however this is followed by a very unpleasant, bitter taste. This may be one reason that many grazing fish tend to avoid chlorodesmis fastigiata.
Image Source
| Entry Author: |
Sarah Barge |
William Smith College |
2002 |