Endocladia muricata

Black sea moss

Authority: (Endlicher) J.Agardh

Thallus is rusty red to black (when dry); its wiry, cylindrical branches have spines and form small bushy tufts 3-8 cm tall (1-3 in). This perennial has isomorphic or similar-looking reproductive phases.

Habitat

This species forms a band on rocks in the high to mid intertidal zone of semi-protected to exposed habitats.

North Pacific Distribution

Aleutian Islands, Alaska to Baja California, Mexico

Former scientific names

Acanthocladia muricata, Gelidium muricatum, Gigartina muricata

Similar taxa

Gloiopeltis furcata; Caulacanthus ustulatus (not confirmed to occur in Alaska; Endocladia muricata can develop creeping portions similar to Caulacanthus ustulatus in late summer).