Green Algae of Zihuatanejo

GENUS CHAETOMORPHA

• Plants Kingdom (Plantae)

• Green Algae (Phylum Chlorophyta)

• Chlorophycean Green Algae (Class Chlorophyceae)

• Order Cladophorales

• Family Cladophoraceae

• Genus Chaetomorpha

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Genus Chaetomorpha is a widespread genus of filamentous green algae in the family Cladophoraceae, commonly found in marine and brackish-water environments along coastlines throughout the world. It is characterized by long, unbranched chains of cylindrical cells that form coarse, hair-like filaments, often growing as dense tangled mats or floating masses. Species of Chaetomorpha range in colour from bright to dark green and can be attached to rocks, shells, and other substrates or drift freely in shallow waters, lagoons, and estuaries. These algae play an important ecological role by providing habitat and shelter for small marine invertebrates and juvenile fishes.