Ochrophyta · Brown Seaweed

Aureophycus aleuticus

H.Kawai, T.Hanyuda, M.Lindeberg, & S.C.Lindstrom
Phylum
Ochrophyta
Class
Phaeophyceae
Order
Laminariales
Family
Aureophycaceae

Aureophycus aleuticus

Golden V kelp

Authority
H.Kawai, T.Hanyuda, M.Lindeberg, & S.C.Lindstrom
Thallus of this endemic kelp is light brown with golden yellow raised edges at the base of the blade, forming a V pattern. The holdfast is semi-discoidal, and the stipe is flattened, golden in color, and up to 1 m (3.2 ft) in length. The blade is thin, lanceolate in form, up to 2 m (6.5 ft) long and 0.5 m (20 in) wide.

Habitat

This uncommon kelp grows on rock in the shallow subtidal and prefers semi-exposed or exposed habitats where ocean waves break near the shoreline.

North Pacific Distribution

Central Aleutian Islands and St. George Island, Alaska

Former scientific names

misidentified as Phyllariella ochotensis

Last updated December 26, 2010

Photos