Elongated Sea Pearls

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.