Turbinaria
Turbinaria is a genus of brown algae (Phaeophyceae) belonging to the family Sargassaceae. Commonly known as turban corals or turban seaweeds, they are found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. Their distinctive, intricately branched and convoluted structures resemble miniature coral formations, hence their common name.
Characteristics
Turbinaria species are characterized by their distinctive branching patterns, with branches arising from a central holdfast. They exhibit a variety of shapes, including:
- Turbinate: Resembling a turban or cone, with a central stem and branches extending radially outward.
- Fan-shaped: Flattened and spread out, resembling a fan.
- Columnar: Tall and cylindrical, with branches arranged in a spiral pattern.
The thallus (body) of Turbinaria is typically calcified, giving it a hard and brittle texture. It is covered in a thin layer of photosynthetic pigments, which are responsible for its brown coloration.
Environments
Turbinaria species are predominantly found in the intertidal and subtidal zones of tropical and subtropical reefs. They prefer clear, well-lit waters with moderate water flow. They can be found attached to rocks, coral rubble, or other solid surfaces. Turbinaria play a vital role in reef ecosystems, providing habitat and shelter for various marine organisms.
References
- Guiry, M.D. & Guiry, G.M. (2021). AlgaeBase. World-wide electronic publication, National University of Ireland, Galway. https://www.algaebase.org/search/species/detail/?species_id=5716
- Smith, C.M. (2004). The PhycoBank Project: A Database of Marine Algae and Seagrasses. In: Proceedings of the 11th International Seaweed Symposium, pp. 59-65.