Spatoglossum facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Spatoglossum
Spatoglossum chapmanii: AK331441)
Spatoglossum schroederi
Scientific classification
Clade:	SAR
Phylum:	Ochrophyta
Class:	Phaeophyceae
Order:	Dictyotales
Family:	Dictyotaceae
Genus:	Spatoglossum Kützing, 1843
Type species
Spatoglossum solierii (Chauvin ex Montagne) Kützing
Species
See text

Spatoglossum is a special kind of brown algae that grows in the ocean. You might know algae as "seaweed." This group of algae belongs to a family called Dictyotaceae. You can find different types of Spatoglossum all over the world, from warm tropical waters to cooler areas.

What is Spatoglossum?

Spatoglossum is a genus, which is a group of closely related living things. Think of it like a family name for different types of seaweed. These algae are known for their flat, leaf-like blades that can sometimes look a bit wavy or branched. They are usually brownish in color, which is why they are called "brown algae."

Where Does Spatoglossum Live?

Most Spatoglossum species live attached to rocks or other surfaces in the ocean. They prefer areas where the water is clear and sunlight can reach them, as they need light to make their own food, just like plants. You can often find them in shallow coastal waters, but some might live a bit deeper.

Why Are Algae Important?

Algae like Spatoglossum are super important for ocean life.

• They produce a lot of the oxygen we breathe.
• They are a basic food source for many sea creatures.
• They provide shelter for small fish and other marine animals.
• They help keep the ocean healthy by absorbing carbon dioxide.

Different Kinds of Spatoglossum

Scientists have identified many different species (types) of Spatoglossum. Each species has its own unique features, even if they all share the general characteristics of the Spatoglossum genus. Here are some of the accepted species according to AlgaeBase, a big database of algae:

• Spatoglossum asperum
• Spatoglossum australasicum
• Spatoglossum chapmanii
• Spatoglossum chaudhrianum
• Spatoglossum crassum
• Spatoglossum crispatum
• Spatoglossum dichotomum
• Spatoglossum ecuadoreanum
• Spatoglossum flabelliforme
• Spatoglossum howellii
• Spatoglossum intermedium
• Spatoglossum lanceolatum
• Spatoglossum latum
• Spatoglossum macrodontum
• Spatoglossum membranaceum
• Spatoglossum schmittii
• Spatoglossum schroederi
• Spatoglossum solieri (This is the "type species," meaning it's the main example used to define the genus.)
• Spatoglossum spanneri
• Spatoglossum stipitatum
• Spatoglossum subflabellatum
• Spatoglossum variabile
• Spatoglossum vietnamense