Phylum: Rhodophyta
Class: Florideophyceae
Order: Ceramiales
Family: Delesseriaceae
Source URL: http://www.algaebase.org/search/species/detail/?species_id=W1efaf59404ede358
Membranoptera alata is a red or reddish-brown seaweed, up to 20 cm in length, with a flat, narrow frond. It exhibits a midrib and many fine, lateral veins, which can be clearly seen under a hand lens. It has many branches, arising from the central axis, which are irregular, dichotomous, and copiously branched in one plane. This perennial plant has a thin membranous thallus.Membranoptera alata can sometimes be confused with Hypoglossum woodwardii. However, Hypoglossum woodwardii lacks the distinct lateral veins found in Membranoptera alata. Membranoptera alata is fertile in the winter months.
Grows on rocks or on other red and brown seaweeds as an epiphyte, particularly laminarians. Inhabits shady rock pools, the sublittoral and deeper waters.
Depth range based on 241 specimens in 1 taxon.
Water temperature and chemistry ranges based on 23 samples.
Environmental ranges
Depth range (m): 0 - 22
Temperature range (°C): 11.471 - 12.348
Nitrate (umol/L): 4.729 - 6.151
Salinity (PPS): 35.008 - 35.363
Oxygen (ml/l): 6.128 - 6.346
Phosphate (umol/l): 0.335 - 0.421
Silicate (umol/l): 2.315 - 3.727
Graphical representation
Depth range (m): 0 - 22
Temperature range (°C): 11.471 - 12.348
Nitrate (umol/L): 4.729 - 6.151
Salinity (PPS): 35.008 - 35.363
Oxygen (ml/l): 6.128 - 6.346
Phosphate (umol/l): 0.335 - 0.421
Silicate (umol/l): 2.315 - 3.727
Note: this information has not been validated. Check this note. Your feedback is most welcome.