description Lithothamnion calcareum Overview
Lithothamnion calcareum is a species of coralline red algae that accumulates calcium and magnesium carbonates in its cell walls, giving it a hard, stony structure. It grows slowly on the seabed of the northeast Atlantic Ocean, where live and dead thalli build up over time to form complex free-living habitats known as maerl beds. In regions like France and Ireland, this calcified seaweed is commercially harvested from fossil or living deposits to be processed into agricultural soil amendments and animal feed supplements.
help Lithothamnion calcareum FAQ
Where is Lithothamnion calcareum naturally found?
Lithothamnion calcareum is a species of coralline red algae that grows on the seabed of the northeast Atlantic Ocean. It is particularly abundant along the coasts of Brittany in France, where it forms extensive marine beds.
What gives Lithothamnion calcareum its hard, stony structure?
This unique algae accumulates calcium and magnesium carbonates in its cell walls, giving it a hard, stony structure similar to coral. Over time, live and dead thalli build up on the seabed to form a type of calcareous gravel known as maerl.
How are maerl beds formed by this algae ecologically important?
The slow-building accumulation of this algae creates complex, three-dimensional habitats that provide crucial shelter for a wide variety of marine life. Because it grows so slowly, maerl beds are highly vulnerable to damage from bottom trawling and are heavily protected.
Is Lithothamnion calcareum used in agriculture or health supplements?
Yes, the calcium-rich remains of this algae are harvested and ground into a powder for use as an organic fertilizer and a calcium supplement. It is especially popular in the biodynamic farming community.
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