BIOTIC Species Information for Pelvetia canaliculata
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Researched by | Nicola White | Data supplied by | MarLIN |
Refereed by | Dr Dagmar Stengel | ||
General Biology | |||
Growth form | Shrub Foliose |
Feeding method | Photoautotroph |
Mobility/Movement | Permanent attachment |
Environmental position | Epifloral |
Typical food types | No text entered | Habit | Attached |
Bioturbator | Not relevant | Flexibility | High (>45 degrees) |
Fragility | Intermediate | Size | Medium(11-20 cm) |
Height | Up to 15 cm | Growth Rate | 3-4 cm/year |
Adult dispersal potential | None | Dependency | Independent |
Sociability | Solitary | ||
Toxic/Poisonous? | No | ||
General Biology Additional Information | Pelvetia canaliculata is very tolerant of desiccation. It may spend up to 90 percent of the time out of the water and can tolerate 65 percent water loss. The species can photosynthesise when exposed to air but may suffer nutrient stress as it can only obtain nutrients when submerged. The species supports an impoverished fauna due to the harsh physical conditions on the upper shore. A few species of wandering isopods and amphipods may be found sheltering underneath the fronds at low tide. | ||
Biology References | Subrahmanyan, 1960, |