Drachiella spectabilis Ernst et J Feldmann

Drachiella spectabilis

Description: Thallus foliose, attached by a short stipe with flat red fronds, up to 15 cms wide showing blue iridescence. Branching in fan-like manner, without veins. The apices of the branches are pointed and may reattach to the surface in older plants.

Habitat: Common. Epilithic in exposed sublittoral sites in clear water to depths of 30 m.

Distribution: Sublittoral in the British Isles in large patches mainly on south-westerly coasts but recorded from the Shetlands. Europe: Meditrranean and France.

Similar Species: Other species with fan-shaped blades. See Drachiella heterocarpa and Rhodophyllis divaricata

Key Identification Features:

• Thin fronds extending across rockfaces.Strong blue iridescence when alive.

Distribution Map: NBN map : National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

WoRMS: Species record : World Register of Marine Species.

iNaturalist: Species account : iNaturalist World Species Observations database