• Kingdom: Plantae
  • Phylum: Ochrophyta
  • Class: Ulvophyceae
  • Order: Fucales
  • Family: Fucaceae
  • Scientific name: Pelvetia canaliculata
  • Norwegian: sauetang

Characteristics:

These brown algae only grows to height of 8-12 cm. The color is yellow-brown, but they turn almost black if they dry out. It is branched in two-splits. The stipe has no bladders, but has a swollen appearance, due to a distinct channel which holds moisture. This is essential for the plant to survive high up in the tidal zone. The surface is gnarled.

Habitat:

This algae does not survive if it is constantly submerged. Therefore, it is only found high in the tidal zone. It thrives both on wave exposed and sheltered locations.

Distribution:

It seems to be confined to the North-East Atlantic Ocean, from the Faroes and Norway to Portugal.