Elongated Sea Pearls

| Name: | Elongated Sea Pearls |
| Scientific Name: | Valonia macrophysa |
| Family: | Green Algae |
| Taxonomic: | Chlorophyta |
| ID Group: | Corals, Algae |
| Size: | 0.25 - 0.75 in. |
| Depth Range: | In shallow waters (0 – 15 ft.) |
| Sightings: | Seen often |
Elongated Sea Pearls form structures that look like shiny bubbles. These bubbles can be perfectly round or stretched into oval shapes. Each bubble is a deep green color and has a bright, silvery surface that reflects light. The bubbles grow very close and tight to one another, creating mats in areas where the water is calm.
Each Sea Pearl is a single large cell filled with water and held in place by fine threads that attach it to hard surfaces, and they can sometimes become covered by a thin layer of other algae.