Tidepool Coralline Algae (Corallina officinalis var. chilensis)

Description: Tidepool coralline algae is most often a dark pink color but can also range from white to purple. This calcareous algae is made of flat segments forming a fan-like branching pattern. There is a main central axis that other segments branch off from. Overall, tidepool coralline algae can grow up to 15 cm tall.

Habitat: As its name suggests, tidepool coralline algae lived in tide pools attached to rocks. They are often found in the mid intertidal zone but can also be found down to depths of 10 m. To the north, they can be found up to Alaska. In the southern part of their range, they can be found down to Baja California, Mexico.

Tide Pool Tidbits:

• Coralline algae has a very high percentage of calcium carbonate - the same material that makes up mussel and snail shells.

Reference: The New Beachcomber’s Guide to the Pacific Northwest by J Duane Sept