Range
Cryptopleura crispa is found from Santa Barbara through Channel Islands, California (USA) and mainland Southern California to Magdalena Island, Baja California (MEX).
Habitat
C. crispa is found from the low intertidal to subtidal (to 8 m depth). This species often grows epiphytically.
Morphology and Identification
Cryptopleura crispa has a thallus that is rose red in color, essentially creeping but with erect, branched divisions that are 3-8 cm tall, 3-7 mm wide, and wider at apices which are scalloped and usually become ruffled. Has thin blades with veins. Tetrasporangial and spermatangial sori on single, round proliferations borne from margins. Cystocarps located on the outside marginal portions of blade. Can be confused with Acrosorium ciliolatum, however, Cryptopleaura crispa has wider and shorter blades, and no hooked tips (Abbott and Hollenberg, 1976). This species often grows epiphytically on Pterocladiella, Gelidium, or Corallina.
Common name | Algae, Red Algae |
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Region | Channel Islands North, Channel Islands South, Government Point to Mexico |