description Catenella caespitosa Overview
Catenella caespitosa is a small red marine alga, also known as creeping chain weed. It forms dark purple to brown, moss-like mats up to about 2 cm high, with irregularly branched fronds constricted into flattened segments and arising from creeping stolons with discoid attachments. It grows near the upper-tide level on sheltered, shaded rocks, under fucoid seaweeds and in salt-marsh habitats, and it tolerates brackish water. [MarLIN](https://www.marlin.ac.uk/species/detail/1472) [Seaweed.ie](https://www.seaweed.ie/descriptions/Catenella_caespitosa.php)
help Catenella caespitosa FAQ
What is Catenella caespitosa also called?
Catenella caespitosa is commonly known as creeping chain weed. It is a small red marine alga that forms dark purple to brown mats.
How tall does Catenella caespitosa grow?
Its moss-like mats usually reach up to about 2 centimetres in height. The low growth form comes from creeping stolons and short, irregularly branched fronds.
Why is Catenella caespitosa called chain weed?
Its fronds are constricted into flattened segments, giving them a linked or chain-like appearance. The segments arise from creeping stolons with disc-shaped attachments.
Where does Catenella caespitosa attach?
It spreads from creeping stolons that end in discoid attachments. This lets the alga form compact mats over suitable marine surfaces rather than growing as a single upright tuft.
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