Scytosiphon simplicissimus, Chorda lomentaria

Description: Thallus is a conspicuous golden brown, unbranched tube with constrictions at more or less regular intervals. Thalli range from 20 to 50 cm (8-20 in) tall and are ~1 cm (0.4 in) wide; some Alaskan specimens reach over 75 cm (29.5 in) tall. Thalli grow in clusters from a discoidal holdfast (Ralfsia sp.) Habitat: This weedy annual is commonly found on rock in the mid to low intertidal and in tidepools and ranges from protected to semi-exposed habitats. Similar taxa: Melanosiphon, Scytosiphon spp., Chorda filum.