|
Desmarestia munda, called also the string acid hair consists of large algae, that may be cylindrical or partially flattened. In the case of the munda species, the blades are elongated and flattened. Desmarestia attaches itself to rocks by a minute disc-like holdfast. The algae can reach up to one metre in length.
Due to the acidic pH of the algae there are not many organisms that are mutually associated with it. The only species living and feeding on it in the Race Rocks area is a snail, spiralis, characteristic for its black and white pigmentation. At the same time Desmarestia uses other algae, as Laminaria saccharina, as a habitat.
Desmarestia munda is common in the whole are of the Race Rocks Marine Protected Area. The highest concentration of the algae occurs off the North coast of the Great Rock, by the docks, at the average depth between -6 metres and -8 metres.
|
|
