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Seaweeds > Division Chlorophyta > Family Caulerpaceae > genus Caulerpa
Delicate feathery green seaweed
Caulerpa sertularioides
Family Caulerpaceae
updated Sep 2019
Where seen? This elegant feathery green seaweed is sometimes seen on our shores, growing on sand, coral rubble and among seagrasses. Usually found in clumps, which can cover an area of about 40-50cm. But it does not blanket the shore like other seasonally abundant seaweeds.

Features: A feathery structure 5-7cm long. The central 'stem' of the feathery structure is cylindrical. The side 'branches' are long and cylindrical (not flattened) with pointed tips. Sometimes, the feathery structure has a 'waist' near the tip.These feathery structures emerge along the length of a horizontal 'stem' that creeps over hard surfaces or just under the sand. Bright green to olive green.

Sometimes confused with other feathery green seaweeds or with seagrasses. Here's more on how to tell apart different feathery green seaweeds and how to tell apart feathery green seaweeds and seagrasses.

Role in the habitat: The seaweed is said to be eaten by some species of sea hares.

Human uses: This seaweed is reported to be edible, to have antibacterial, antifungal and antitumor properties, and to be used to treat high blood pressure and goiter. However, some Caulerpa species produce toxins to protect themselves from browsing fish. This also makes them toxic to humans.


Pulau Sekudu, Jun 05


Cylindrical 'branches'
on a narrow central 'stem'.

Pulau Sekudu, Jun 04

Sentosa, Apr 07

Turns transparent after releasing spores?

Delicate feathery green seaweeds on Singapore shores
On wildsingapore flickr

Other sightings on Singapore shores


Coney Island, Oct 20
Photo shared by Richard Kuah on facebook.

Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, Jun 23
Photo shared by Vincent Choo on facebook.

Pulau Hantu, Apr 21
Photo shared by Vincent Choo on facebook.


Terumbu Pempang Tengah, Jun 20

Photo shared by Vincent Choo on facebook.
 


Terumbu Berkas, Jan 10
 

Links References
  • Lee Ai Chin, Iris U. Baula, Lilibeth N. Miranda and Sin Tsai Min ; editors: Sin Tsai Min and Wang Luan Keng, A photographic guide to the marine algae of Singapore, 2015. Tropical Marine Science Institute, 201 pp.
  • Pham, M. N., H. T. W. Tan, S. Mitrovic & H. H. T. Yeo, 2011. A Checklist of the Algae of Singapore, 2nd Edition. Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, National University of Singapore, Singapore. 99 pp. Uploaded 1 October 2011.
  • Eric Coppejans and Tom Beeckman. 1990. Caulerpa (Chlorophyta, Caulerpales) from the Kenyan coast (pdf). Laboratorium voor Morfologie, Systematiek en Ecologie van de Planten R.U.G. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000 Gent, Belgium on the Phycology Research website: identification key and useful diagrams on how to tell apart similar Caulerpa species.
  • Huisman, John M. 2000. Marine Plants of Australia University of Western Australia Press. 300pp.
  • Calumpong, H. P. & Menez, E. G., 1997.Field Guide to the Common Mangroves, Seagrasses and Algae of the Philippines. Bookmark, Inc., the Philippines. 197 pp.
  • Trono, Gavino. C. Jr., 1997. Field Guide and Atlas of the Seaweed Resources of the Philippines.. Bookmark, Inc., the Philippines. 306 pp.
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