Lithophyllum incrustans

Lithophyllum incrustans, also known by its common names coraline crust and paint weed, is a small pinkish species of seaweed.

Description

This is a small encrusting, calcareous alga, growing epiphytically as a flat lobed plant up to 10 cm in diameter and up to several mm forming thick adherent crusts. It can become knobbly with overlapping lobes and a smooth surface. In colour it is pinkish but may become bleached.

Reproduction

and bisporangial conceptacles occur sunken pits. Plants usually gametangial, Spermatangial conceptacles in shallow chambers. Carposporangial chambers flask-shaped.

Distribution

Found all around the Great Britain, Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands, rarer on the east coast of England. In Europe recorded from Faroes, Norway to the Mediterranean.

Ecology

Common in shallow pools and under cover. Grows abundantly in the mid-littoral to 8 metres depth.