Furcellaria
Furcellaria is a genus of red algae belonging to the order Gigartinales. The most well-known species, Furcellaria lumbricalis, is a common inhabitant of northern temperate and Arctic marine environments, particularly in the Atlantic Ocean. This alga typically grows on hard substrates such as rocks, shells, and other algae. It is characterized by its dark red to reddish-brown, cartilaginous thallus, which is often dichotomously branched and can reach lengths of up to 30 centimeters. The fronds are generally cylindrical and unbranched near the base, becoming branched higher up.
Furcellaria lumbricalis plays a role in coastal ecosystems by providing habitat and contributing to the benthic