BIOTIC Species Information for Fucus distichus
Researched byNicola White Data supplied byMarLIN
Refereed byDr Graham Scott
General Biology
Growth formFoliose
Feeding methodPhotoautotroph
Mobility/MovementPermanent attachment
Environmental positionEpifloral
Typical food typesNot relevant HabitAttached
BioturbatorNot relevant FlexibilityHigh (>45 degrees)
FragilityIntermediate SizeMedium-large(21-50cm)
HeightUp to 30 cm Growth Rate10 cm / year
Adult dispersal potentialNot researched DependencyIndependent
SociabilitySolitary
Toxic/Poisonous?No
General Biology Additional InformationThe morphology of Fucus distichus is remarkably varied. Powell (1957a) recognised four subspecies, which were later separated into two distinct species (Fucus distichus and Fucus evanescens) by Rice and Chapman (1985). In its rock pool habit on the east coast of North America Fucus distichus is considered by Pearson & Davison (1994) to be slow growing, a poor competitor and stress intolerant. Adults of Fucus distichus are very tolerant of grazing due to a high content of phlorotannin, but germlings do not have any protection and are susceptible to grazing by littorinids.
Biology References Rice & Chapman, 1985, Powell, 1957, Pearson & Davison, 1994, Ang, 1991,
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