Another interesting occurrence caused by dinoflagellates is phosphorescence. When disturbed, dinoflagellates can create their own light, causing this bioluminescence. The larger species, such as sea lettuce, can form thin, light-green sheets in the shallows of temperate bays and inlets. Green algae provide food and shelter for such animals as snails and shrimp and are most commonly found in shallow intertidal areas. Nearly all of the approximately 1,500 species of brown algae are marine.
Brown algae are large in size and make up the bulk of aquatic plant life.
Giant kelp, the largest aquatic plant, is brown algae. The shape and appearance of brown algae varies greatly from species to species. Brown algae can be seen in forms varying from single stalks and hollow sacs to compact masses and feathery growths. One interesting feature of red algae is the ability to become skeletonized by extensive calcification, which protects them from grazing, by herbivorous fish. Sea grasses and mangroves are the 2 groups that live successfully in marine environments.