Atractophora hypnoides facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Atractophora hypnoides
Scientific classification
Genus:	Atractophora
Species:	hypnoides

Atractophora hypnoides is a special kind of red alga. It's quite rare! You can find it in places like the British Isles, France, and some islands in the Atlantic Ocean. It's the only type of Atractophora found in the British Isles.

This alga attaches itself to rocks or other algae using a small disc at its base. It has many branches. Some parts grow downwards and wrap around the main stem, forming a protective layer. Other short, hair-like parts grow outwards in circles. To tell it apart from other similar algae, you usually need to look at it under a microscope.

What Does It Look Like?

Atractophora hypnoides is the part of the alga that handles reproduction. It's red and can grow up to about 10 centimeters (about 4 inches) tall.

This plant produces special cells for reproduction. These cells then grow into new Atractophora hypnoides plants. Scientists haven't found another stage in its life where it reproduces differently.

There are many other algae that look similar, like Audouinella, Antithamnion, Dasya, and Spyridia. This is why a microscope is often needed to identify Atractophora hypnoides correctly.

Where Does It Live?

This red alga is mostly found in the western parts of the British Isles. You can find records of it in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, and in Galway and County Cork in southern Ireland. There are also a few sightings in Wales and southwestern England.

In Northern Ireland, it has been seen in County Antrim (at Rathlin Island and Loughan Bay) and in County Down (at Greenore Point and near the entrance of Strangford Lough). It's also found in the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. In Europe, it grows along the coasts of France.

Its Home and Habitat

Atractophora hypnoides likes to grow on other types of algae, especially those that look like coral. It lives in the sublittoral zone, which is the part of the ocean floor that is always covered by water, even at low tide. You can find it at depths of up to 20 meters (about 65 feet).