Coral Weed (Corallina officinalis), Wet, Live, Whole Leaf, 1 Pint Volume

from $80.00
Quantity (1 Pint Volume):

Live Coral Weed (Corallina officinalis)
Please note this is a live marine specimen.

The Coral Weed (Corallina officinalis) is a hardy red seaweed found growing in the low intertidal and subtidal zones of Maine’s rocky shores. With its delicate, branching fronds and distinctive red hue tipped in white, this calcareous alga resembles miniature coral. It commonly grows on rocks, kelp holdfasts, ledges, and horse mussel beds, forming small, intricate colonies that add color and structure to marine habitats. Sustainably hand-collected from the Gulf of Maine, each live specimen is ideal for aquariums, classroom demonstrations, and marine biology studies focusing on red algae and intertidal ecology.

Key Facts:
Common name: Coral weed, corallina
Scientific name: Corallina officinalis
Locations: Subtidal on low-tide rocks, ledges, kelp holdfasts, and horse mussels
Seasonality: Available all year
Colors: Red with white margins
Size: 1” – 3”
Collected: By hand
Quantity: 1 pint volume
Note: This is a live marine specimen. Natural variations in size, color, and appearance from photos should be expected. If you would like any specimen preserved, please send a request to: info@gulfofme.com

Live Coral Weed (Corallina officinalis)
Please note this is a live marine specimen.

The Coral Weed (Corallina officinalis) is a hardy red seaweed found growing in the low intertidal and subtidal zones of Maine’s rocky shores. With its delicate, branching fronds and distinctive red hue tipped in white, this calcareous alga resembles miniature coral. It commonly grows on rocks, kelp holdfasts, ledges, and horse mussel beds, forming small, intricate colonies that add color and structure to marine habitats. Sustainably hand-collected from the Gulf of Maine, each live specimen is ideal for aquariums, classroom demonstrations, and marine biology studies focusing on red algae and intertidal ecology.

Key Facts:
Common name: Coral weed, corallina
Scientific name: Corallina officinalis
Locations: Subtidal on low-tide rocks, ledges, kelp holdfasts, and horse mussels
Seasonality: Available all year
Colors: Red with white margins
Size: 1” – 3”
Collected: By hand
Quantity: 1 pint volume
Note: This is a live marine specimen. Natural variations in size, color, and appearance from photos should be expected. If you would like any specimen preserved, please send a request to: info@gulfofme.com

Coral weed on a blue mussel.

Coral weed on a blue mussel.

Tidepool Tim says,  “Corallina is a unique type of algae or seaweed.  As it grows, it adds parts like a string of tiny beads.  Taking calcium from the seawater it uses this mineral to reinforce its frond structure. Because it has calcium in the growing fronds, this makes it tougher and keeps it from being eaten by ordinary bottom grazers like sea urchins or snails.  When we collect Corallina we often put the clusters into a pail of seawater alone. Over time the Corallina fronds will reveal an entire host of isopods, worms, larval fish, and other organisms that have been feeding and taking shelter in this seaweed.  Very interesting to see how this fauna supports a medley of other marine life.  Our best specimens are supplied attached to horse mussels and small rocks. These look great in any aquarium because of their color and longevity.”

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