Red Coral Crust (Lithothamnion), Wet, Live, Pint Volume

from $80.00
Quantity (1 Pint Volume):

Live Crustose Coralline Algae (Lithothamnion spp.)
This is a wet, live, science specimen

Crustose Coralline Algae (Lithothamnion spp.) are encrusting red algae that form hard, calcareous crusts over rocks, shells, and other surfaces in Maine’s sub-tidal zones. Their distinctive pinkish-red coloration and white margins give them a coral-like appearance, making them an essential part of reef and inter-tidal ecosystems. These algae play a critical ecological role by stabilizing substrates, promoting coral and mussel settlement, and contributing to the formation of biogenic reefs.

Collected by hand from tidal streams, pools, and rocky sub-tidal habitats, this live specimen is ideal for studying algal biology, calcium carbonate deposition, and marine ecosystem interactions. It also makes a beautiful and functional addition to marine aquariums, where it enhances biodiversity and natural rock structure.

Common name: Crustose algae, coralline crust, red crust
Scientific name: Lithothamnion spp.
Locations: Subtidal areas (except on full moon tides), tidepools, and tidal streams — on rocks, shells, and mussels
Seasonality: Available year-round
Colors: Pinkish-red with white margins
Size: Range from 1” – 3” on shell
Collected: By hand
Quantity: Sold by the pint volume

Uses: Ideal for aquariums, reef system displays, classroom study, and marine ecology research.

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 Crustose Coralline Algae (Lithothamnion spp.)
This is a wet, live, science specimen

Crustose Coralline Algae (Lithothamnion spp.) are encrusting red algae that form hard, calcareous crusts over rocks, shells, and other surfaces in Maine’s sub-tidal zones. Their distinctive pinkish-red coloration and white margins give them a coral-like appearance, making them an essential part of reef and inter-tidal ecosystems. These algae play a critical ecological role by stabilizing substrates, promoting coral and mussel settlement, and contributing to the formation of biogenic reefs.

Collected by hand from tidal streams, pools, and rocky sub-tidal habitats, this live specimen is ideal for studying algal biology, calcium carbonate deposition, and marine ecosystem interactions. It also makes a beautiful and functional addition to marine aquariums, where it enhances biodiversity and natural rock structure.

Common name: Crustose algae, coralline crust, red crust
Scientific name: Lithothamnion spp.
Locations: Subtidal areas (except on full moon tides), tidepools, and tidal streams — on rocks, shells, and mussels
Seasonality: Available year-round
Colors: Pinkish-red with white margins
Size: Range from 1” – 3” on shell
Collected: By hand
Quantity: Sold by the pint volume

Uses: Ideal for aquariums, reef system displays, classroom study, and marine ecology research.

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.

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A tortoiseshell limpet on red coral crust.

A tortoiseshell limpet on red coral crust.

Tidepool Tim says,  “Coral crust or red crust does not look like a type of algae or seaweed, but it is!  It is hard and grows as a thin layer over rocks, shells, and other bottom structures.  Some bottom dwelling fish such as sculpins will have this growing on their skin. Chitons, crabs, and shrimp sometimes have a layer of this red coral covering parts of their bodies.  Coral crust grows in 2 forms; first a crust as described above but also as a fruiting cluster that resembles broccoli florets. We call these coral clusters and even "live rock" - these clusters are interesting as they form a micro-habitat for tiny sea urchis, scaleworms, limpets, crabs, etc.  These can be ordered for use in ecology labs and experiments.”