Species:

Fucus spiralisL.

Kaurtang, Spiraltang in Norwegian Bokmål
Spiralled Wrack in English

Classification

The species Fucus spiralis belongs to:

Photos

Photos of Fucus spiralis (4):

  • Photo of Fucus spiralis
  • Photo of Fucus spiralis
  • Photo of Fucus spiralis
  • Photo of Fucus spiralis

1 of 4: Specimens growing on large stones on the upper shore during low tide.

Photo of Fucus spiralis
Photo: © Vivian HusaTerms of use

Note: The species is tolerant to dry conditions during low tide and grows usually on hard rock in a zone between Fucus vesiculosus and Pelvetia canaliculata. The fronds can be up to 30-40 cm tall and has a prominent midrib but no air-vesicles. The fronds show an irregular dichotomous branching-pattern and are often spirally twisted.

2 of 4: Habit of a small forn

Photo of Fucus spiralis
A small morphotype (Fucus spiralis forma nanus) occurring in wave-exposed intertidals Photo: © Kjersti SjøtunTerms of use

3 of 4: Specimens with receptacles

Photo of Fucus spiralis
Photo: © Vivian HusaTerms of use

Note: The species carries rounded receptacles, often in pairs, with a characteristic rim along the egde.

4 of 4: Specimen with immature receptacles

Photo of Fucus spiralis
Photo: © Vivian HusaTerms of use

Closest relatives

Other species in the same genus (Fucus):