Sea Colander (Agarum cribosum), Wet, Live, Whole Leaf, 1 Pint Volume

from $80.00
Quantity (1 Pint Volume):

Live Sea Colander Kelp (Agarum cribrosum)
Please Note This Is a Wet, Live Science Specimen

The Sea Colander Kelp (Agarum cribrosum) — locally known as Shotgun Kelp by Maine’s sea urchin fishermen — is a distinctive brown seaweed recognized by its perforated, leathery fronds. This hardy kelp species thrives in strong current zones on subtidal rocks and ledges, where constant water flow delivers the nutrients it needs to grow.

Sea Colander Kelp serves as important habitat for small invertebrates and juvenile fish, and its unique texture and structure make it a fascinating specimen for classroom study, marine ecology research, or public aquarium display. When held to the light, the natural holes in its blade give it the appearance of a “colander,” hence its common name.

Common name: Sea Colander Kelp (Shotgun Kelp)
Scientific name: Agarum cribrosum
Locations: Subtidal rocks and ledges, prefers strong currents and water flow
Seasonality: Available year-round; most abundant where sea urchins have not grazed it down
Colors: Dark brown
Size: 12” – 24” long
Collected: By hand
Quantity: 1 pint volume (1–2 plants)

Uses: Ideal for marine biology labs, seaweed identification courses, or aquarium habitat enrichment.

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 Sea Colander Kelp (Agarum cribrosum)
Please Note This Is a Wet, Live Science Specimen

The Sea Colander Kelp (Agarum cribrosum) — locally known as Shotgun Kelp by Maine’s sea urchin fishermen — is a distinctive brown seaweed recognized by its perforated, leathery fronds. This hardy kelp species thrives in strong current zones on subtidal rocks and ledges, where constant water flow delivers the nutrients it needs to grow.

Sea Colander Kelp serves as important habitat for small invertebrates and juvenile fish, and its unique texture and structure make it a fascinating specimen for classroom study, marine ecology research, or public aquarium display. When held to the light, the natural holes in its blade give it the appearance of a “colander,” hence its common name.

Common name: Sea Colander Kelp (Shotgun Kelp)
Scientific name: Agarum cribrosum
Locations: Subtidal rocks and ledges, prefers strong currents and water flow
Seasonality: Available year-round; most abundant where sea urchins have not grazed it down
Colors: Dark brown
Size: 12” – 24” long
Collected: By hand
Quantity: 1 pint volume (1–2 plants)

Uses: Ideal for marine biology labs, seaweed identification courses, or aquarium habitat enrichment.

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.

The holes of sea colander function to reduce drag on the frond and releive pressure on its holdfast.

The holes of sea colander function to reduce drag on the frond and releive pressure on its holdfast.

Tidepool Tim says,  “Sea colander is best collected on the full moon tides. The curious look of this kelp makes sense. It lives in the fastest flowing water and in order to reduce the effect of the tidal current, it has somehow evolved lots of little holes or perforations in the frond or blade. Sea urchin draggers and divers locally call it "shotgun" kelp. Wherever there is a good bed of sea colander - they are sure to find lots of sea urchins that are full of uni or eggs; this earns the fishermen the best pay for their product.

Horse mussels also like to live in high current areas.  Often sea colander kelp will grow and form its holdfast on a horse mussel. The mussel uses its very strong byssal threads to hang onto the seafloor and not drift away.  As the kelp grows in size, eventually the horse mussel can no longer stand the pull of the tidal current and it breaks loose. This ends up being the 'kiss of death' for both the kelp and the mussel as they end up washed onto a beach where they dry up in the sun.  No worries - crabs, sea fleas, and isopods will recycle the dead seaweed and mussel and keep the nutrients flowing through the food chain.”

You Might Also Like