These
pink algae have a hard shell of calcium carbonate around their
tissues which assist in their survival when out of the water.
They range from encrusting species that make rocks look pink
to branching species that have a feathery appearance.
Living
in shallow water or intertidally green algae like sea lettuce
( Ulva spp.) provide an important food source for many
grazers including some fish.
Red
algae contain pigments that allow them
to cope with low light intensities and are often found growing
under larger seaweeds. There are many species and they can be
difficult to identify. Most Victorian species are endemic.
A
yellow to reddish brown algae that forms extensive mats on the
rocky shore. This is used as a food source for some grazing
snails.
