Iridophycus parksii; misidentified as Iridaea cornucopiae, Mazzaella cornucopiae

Description: Thallus is a purplish-red to olive brown blade, averaging 3-5 cm (1-2 in) tall, thick, rubbery, spatulate and shallowly cleft into 1-3 rounded lobes. Blades arise from a perennial base, and very large bumps (cystocarps) may be visible on the blade surface. Habitat: This species forms dense clusters or carpets on rock in the high intertidal of semi-exposed to exposed coastlines. Similar taxa: Male Mastocarpus papillatus has a similar shape and color but is slightly more cartilaginous.