Macroalgae ID - Is there a key available?

[Samala]

Hi all,

I've been collecting some local marco algae's the last few weeks whenever I'm at the beach/bay and I'd like to get some IDs on a few of these because they're growing really really well and are IMO, pretty.

Instead of just posting pics, I was hoping one of you know of a good source for a macroalgae key.. like an online step by step for ID. Probably would start with color - green, red or brown, and then work through the major families and most common genuses. Bonus points for having info on distribution throughout the worlds oceans.

Algaebase has been ok with helping me get some ideas, but I have to start with what I know.. like if I think something looks like Ulva I'll search under that genus for pics of other related macro's that look most like what I've got. But I feel like this is not really the best approach. For example I have some stuff now that looks like its Ulva linza - slender Ulva.. but its got a spiral shape to it. Same thing with some turf like macro I picked up.. very short growing, similar to Chaetomorpha types with appearance, but grows in imperfect spirals. There is a Chaeto tortuosa.. but the pic on Algaebase doesnt really help much.

Sorry this is getting long.. so.. any good links to offer up guys? Thanks -

>Sarah

 

[sylphid]

If you know chinese, there is a good site.
http://www.ntm.gov.tw/seaweeds/f/f4_list.asp

 

[sylphid]

try this url
http://saltcorner.com/sections/guest/algaepage/algaepage.htm

 

[Samala]

Thanks Sylphid! That second one is awesome. The first one I think I'll have to pull favors with a friend of mine who's studying the language.. though theres so many variations in character sets she might not know it. Awesome finds though - thanks!

Oh and I have now found a new species to drool over, and I want it bad.. check out the Halophila spinulosa image on the second site. Gorgeous... rivals my stargrass. So I'll add that to my list of fantasy macro's/grasses along with mermaids saucer.

The paddlegrass I was growing is not doing well (H. decipiens).. I wonder if H. ovalis and H. spinulosa are easier to cultivate.

>Sarah

 

[kmk2307]

Sarah,

Graham and Wilcox is a Phycology text book that you may find helpful. Maybe your school has it in the library.

There are 2 good books available by Littler & Littler but they are expensive. They do have very useful taxonomic keys but the keys may require microscopy or some chemicals (prob stuff you would have in your lab -- I2KI, india ink, etc.) There is a tropical atlantic version and a tropical pacific version.

You probably don't really want to eat them but at least some of these seaweeds found in Maine are likely to be found in your area also:
http://www.alcasoft.com/seaweed/pages/catalog.html

Celia Smith has a nice website:
http://www.botany.hawaii.edu/ReefAlgae/default.htm

Her key is designed for Hawiian algae so it might not be too helpful in Delaware.

HTH,
Kevin