Starfish and anemones in a cold water rocky community. Coastal Massachusetts 1988 february 139. Macroalgae are important habitat on temperate and northern reefs. Kelp beds are extremely complex and critical marine habitats. Wise management of both kelp beds and the animals that depend on them is key to the future of our marine ecosystem.
Flowers are actually worms with tubes among the reef growth.
Macroalgae come in many shapes and sizes, from microscopic to tens of meters. Brown algae on a temperate Carolina reef can survive a wide temperature range. Lobophora Shelf off North Carolina 144. Green, red and brown algae vary seasonally and differ in role as fish food. Shelf off North Carolina 146.