Hildenbrandia rubra is a kind of red alga that lives in the sea. It’s part of the thalloid group of algae.
This alga is found all over the world and can live in many different conditions.
What Does Hildenbrandia rubra Look Like?
This alga forms thin sheets or smaller patches called thallus. The thallus is less than 0.5 mm (0.02 in) thick and sticks tightly to the surface it grows on.
The surface of the alga is smooth and flat, but it has small bumps that show where the reproductive organs are.
The color of Hildenbrandia rubra can be pinkish-red or reddish-brown.
How Is the Thallus Formed?
The thallus is made of a single layer of cells. These cells are 3 to 6 µm in diameter and are arranged in rows.
The cells are not specialized, meaning they all look and act the same.
Where Is Hildenbrandia rubra Found?
Hildenbrandia rubra is found in many parts of the world.
Its habitat range includes the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, the western coasts of Africa, the northwestern Atlantic from Maine to the Caribbean Sea, and the coasts of Brazil and Uruguay.
It’s also present in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
What Kind of Habitats Does Hildenbrandia rubra Prefers?
Hildenbrandia rubra alga is very abundant and is found in the area between high and low tide, called the intertidal zone, and the shallow subtidal zone.
It grows on rocks and pebbles, on shell debris, under seaweeds, in crevices, and in caves.
How Does Hildenbrandia rubra Live and Grow?
Like other algae, Hildenbrandia rubra is an autotroph. This means it can make its own food through photosynthesis.
Photosynthesis is a process that uses sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to make the organic compounds the alga needs to live and grow.
How Does Hildenbrandia rubra Reproduce?
Reproduction happens when small spores called tetraspores are formed inside special cavities called conceptacles.
When the tetraspores are mature, they are released. The conceptacles get bigger each time this process happens.
What Animals Depend on Hildenbrandia rubra?
Many limpets, which are small sea snails, eat microflora and detritus on rock surfaces, or larger seaweeds.
However, the giant limpet Cymbula sanguinans has a special liking for Hildenbrandia rubra and depends on it for food.
What Conditions Can Hildenbrandia rubra Tolerate?
Hildenbrandia rubra is a very tough species. It can grow in a wide range of salinities, temperatures, and light conditions.
In a test, it was exposed to freezing, drying out, low salt levels, and high heat. Its rate of photosynthesis didn’t change in the long term.
In fact, it was the most tolerant of all the algae species tested.
You can check out what this plant looks like over here.
Hildenbrandia rubra Characteristics
| Care Level: | Easy |
| Required Lighting: | Low |
| Maximum Size: | 8 in (20.3 cm) |
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Order: | Hildenbrandiales |
| Family: | Hildenbrandiaceae |
| Genus: | Hildenbrandia |
| Scientific Name: | Hildenbrandia rubra |
| Also Known As: | Rusty Rock |
| Conservation Status: | Unknown |