Narrow fork alga

Dictyota linearis

Occurring in

Mediterranean

1-30m

DayAndNightActive

not endangered

The Narrow Fork Algae is very sociable. In fact, it prefers to grow on other algae (this type of life is also called “epiphytic” in specific terms) or as mixed vegetation surrounded by different species. As their name suggests, their leaves are delicate, slender and bifurcated at the ends (also known as “dichotomous” in specific terms).

Habitat

Sandy Seabed

Special features

Appearance

As their name suggests, their leaves are delicate, slender and bifurcated at the ends (also known as “dichotomous” in specific terms). They are also yellowish-brown in color, and the leaflets are usually irregularly branched and up to 20 cm long.

Natural enemies

Fish, crabs

Dangerous/Venomous

The narrow fork tongue is neither dangerous nor venomous.

Sketch

narrow_fork_dictyota_dichotoms_divedict_diving_dive_mediterranean

1. Slender leaves with bifurcated ends

Pro Tips

The Narrow Fork Algae loves sunlight, therefore you can find it close to the water's surface. She has the power to grow wherever she wants, no matter if it's a place protected from the current or not.

Of course, it grows fastest in summer, while it appears to be “sleeping” through the winter.

In Asia, it is often collected and eaten by humans and used for gaining colloids and antibiotic substances.

narrow_branch_dictyota_dichotoma_alge_mediterranean mediterranean sea_diving_diving_dive-2

Text: Carolina Leiter

Pic: Felician Hosp, Sabine Probst

Illustration: Dive Dict