P_3170381Coralline algae (Jania verrucosa) carpet in tidal pool. Widespread through the North Island, intertidal to upper subtidal on rock on open coasts. Has a stiff, tufted texture and medium pink-brown to grey-white in colour. Branching angles are quite narrow between the branches. Pakiri Beach *
P_3170383 Coralline algae (Jania verrucosa) detail in tidal pool. Widespread through the North Island, intertidal to upper subtidal on rock on open coasts. Has a stiff, tufted texture and medium pink-brown to grey-white in colour. Branching angles are quite narrow between the branches. Pakiri Beach
DSC_4263 Rhodoliths (Sporolithon durum) in rock pool. These hard, golf ball sized, free living coralline algae, do not attached to any substrate. Instead they roll around subtidally, and may aggregate to form 'beds' on coarse sand, gravel or shell debris. Because of their complex structure, Rhodolyte beds form unique ecosystems with high biodiversity, supporting many other rare and unusual species. Army Bay, Whangaparaoa Peninsula
