Neptune's Necklace

Hormosira banksii

Sea Life Native IUCN: Not Evaluated

About

Is a species of seaweed (Brown Algae) native to Australia and New Zealand. It is abundant on low-energy rocky reefs at midtide levels, where it outcompetes other algal species due to its high tolerance to desiccation. This is because it has a slimy layer that conserves moisture. The thallus of this species is made up of strings of olive-brown, spherical, gas-filled pneumatocysts, which taper towards a small holdfast that is easily dislodged from the substrate. The spheres rise to the surface of the water during high tide, obtaining more sunlight and moving with the flow of the current

Size

10 to 30 cm long

Habitat

This seaweed is mostly found in the littoral zone or in rock pools

Distribution

Native to Australia and New Zealand

Gallery

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Local Sightings

1 recorded sighting in and around the area.

References & citations (1)

The Atlas of Living Australia (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)

Quick Facts

Common name: Neptune's Necklace
Scientific name: Hormosira banksii (Turner) Decne.
Family: Hormosiraceae
Category: Sea Life › Sponges & Seaweeds
Origin: Native
Conservation: Not Evaluated

Australian Faunal Directory

Also Known As

Neptune's pearls
sea grapes
bubbleweed

Information Website

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Disclaimer: A lot of work goes into making sure identifications, descriptions, sizes, habitats and distribution details are as accurate as possible — but this information is ever-changing, so no guarantee is offered that it is correct or currently valid. Treat it as a guide and do a little of your own research for the latest word. Feedback and corrections are always welcome.