Kappaphycus alvarezii (Solieriaceae)

Kappaphycus alvarezii is a tough, fleshy, firm marine algae ("seaweed") up to 6 feet in length. Its coarse thalli (plural of thallus, a plant body that is not differentiated into root, stem or leaf) are approximately 1/2 inch in diameter. The thalli are heavy, with major axes relatively straight, lacking secondary branches near the tips. It is frequently and irregularly branched, most branches primary. Shiny green to yellow orange, it has a variable form, from a few small branches in shallow water to tangled and gnarled in deeper water, and it may be loosely attached to broken coral or floating, sometimes in large, moving mats. It typically occurs in waters 3 to 50 feet deep. Kappaphycus species are among the largest tropical red algae, with a high growth rate (can double in biomass in 15 to 30 days). It was thought until recently that their only method of dispersal was by vegetative fragmentation, which was thought to limit their expansion. Reproductive Kappaphycus has recently been found in Kaneohe Bay (Oahu). Kappaphycus species are among the largest tropical red algae, with a high growth rate (can double in biomass in 15 to 30 days). It was thought until recently that their only method of dispersal was by vegetative fragmentation, which was thought to limit their expansion. Reproductive Kappaphycus has recently been found in Kaneohe Bay (Oahu). 

Species description or overview

Kappaphycus alvarezii: an invasive marine alga in Hawaii
Kappaphycus alvarezii: an invasive marine alga in Hawaii

Taxonomy & nomenclature

Impacts

Kappaphycus alvarezii: an invasive marine alga in Hawaii
Kappaphycus alvarezii: an invasive marine alga in Hawaii

Kappaphycus alvarezii (Solieriaceae): species information from GCW
Information on Kappaphycus alvarezii as relevant to Pacific Islands is provided by the Global Compendium of Weeds (GCW).

Images

Marine algae of Hawaii: red algae
Alien algae and corresponding competing native species are shown on this site from the University of Hawaii Botany Department.

Distribution

(Kappaphycus ) spp. overview from the Hawaii Invasive Species Council (HISC)
Kappaphycus ' description, impacts, images, and distribution in Hawaii are from HISC's high-profile invasive pests site.

Books

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The content of this page is based on information last generated on 03 November 2009 by PT. The template for this page was created on 15 March 2004 by EMS, and was last updated on 20 February 2006 by PT.