Lacy Red Weed (Euthora cristata)

Tidepool Tim says,  “Since this red weed is a deepwater species we do not see much of it in or around the tidepools.  I am not certain in the identification of this species. In the fall when sea urchin and scallop dragging (dredges) start plying our local bays we do see plenty of it washing up on our beaches.  On the outer shoreline along the open ocean, it is common to find bits of it on the beaches or in amongst kelps and other tidepool seaweeds. This seaweed also is a nice addition to any cold-water collection or aquarium because of its beautiful delicate structure and nice bright colors. The fronds resemble tiny woodland ferns or blood filled capillaries in a fishes fins.  Often we will supply this reddish 'sea-fern' to our customers attached to kelp.”