Habitat

Mastocarpus papillatus can be found in the Pacific Ocean.  It is most commonly found in warmer temperature water. It is the most common red algae in tropical climates in the high intertidal zones. Species of Red Algae can be found at greater depths than any other photosynthetic organisms. They can be found at these depths since the pigments in their chloroplasts called phycoerithrin absorbs blue light which is a high energy wavelengths. Phycoerithrin has allowed Mastocarpus papillatus to develop into a unique ecological niche. This species can be found at depths of up to 250 meters but are most commonly found in the high intertidal zones.

       Rocky Shores

  Kelp Forest

On Kelp Forest rocky reefs, Mastocarpus papillatus can comprise the dominant underlining species beneath kelp. Fleshy and filamentous red algae represent an important habitat for grazers, such as gastropods. These algae are also an important food source for a wide range of mobile invertebrate species, such as sea urchins, as well as for herbivorous fishes.  This environment causes many problems for Mastocarpus papillatus due to potentially harsh waves and hungry predators, so Mastocarpus papillatus has developed crucial adaptations for survival.  Many organisms are present in the same environment, and my classmates have written web pages about some of them.  You can read about some of the organisms such as Asterias rubens (Star Fish), Aurelia autrita (Jelly Fish), and Chlorurus sordidus (Parrot Fish)

Lets read about these Adaptations! Otherwise you can go back to the Home Page.