Blidingia marginata
A small green seaweed with a remarkably broad global distribution.
Blidingia marginata belongs to the seaweed family Kornmanniaceae. This species typically reaches 2 to 5 centimeters in height, with a width of 100 to 200 micrometers and a thickness ranging from 12 to 100 micrometers. Each individual is composed of 15 to 20 cells, and each cell measures about 10 micrometers in length.
Its distribution spans multiple continents. In Africa, it appears in the Azores, South Africa, Algeria, and Morocco. It occurs in the Gulf of Maine, Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic Ocean, and Mediterranean Sea, and is also common around Bermuda, Cuba, and Tristan da Cunha. In North America, it is found in Canada and Mexico, as well as in the U.S. states of Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. Asian records are limited to Japan, while in South America it is known from Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay.
In Australasia, the species occurs in New Zealand and southern Australia, specifically in the Recherche Archipelago, Streaky Bay, Ardrossan, and Port Adelaide. European populations are recorded in Belgium, Ireland, France, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Portugal, and Norway.
This seaweed commonly grows alongside plants of the genus *Juncus*.
Quick Facts
- Genus
- Blidingia
- Species
- marginata
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Blidingia marginata is described as a small seaweed, reaching 2–5 centimetres in height, with a width of 100–200 micrometres and a thickness of 12–100 micrometres. Each specimen consists of 15–20 cells, each cell measuring 10 micrometres in length. The species is commonly found in association with Juncus species.
Reader's Guide
Blidingia marginata holds significance as a widely distributed marine green macroalga, recorded across Africa (Azores, South Africa, Algeria, Morocco), Europe (Belgium, Ireland, France, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, Portugal, Norway), North America (Canada, Mexico, and multiple U.S. states including Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey), South America (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay), Asia (Japan), and Australasia (New Zealand, southern Australia including Recherche Archipelago, Streaky Bay, Ardrossan, Port Adelaide). It also occurs in the Gulf of Maine, Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and around Bermuda, Cuba, and Tristan da Cunha. Its presence in such diverse habitats underscores its ecological adaptability, though the source article provides no further details on its ecological role or economic importance.
Did You Know?
- Blidingia marginata is found in the Gulf of Maine and the Gulf of Mexico.
- The species is 2–5 centimetres tall and 100–200 micrometres wide.
- It has 15–20 cells, each 10 micrometres long.
- In Asia, it is found only in Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Blidingia marginata?
It is a small green macroalga classified within the family Kornmanniaceae. Despite its modest size, it has a surprisingly wide global range across multiple ocean basins and continents.
How large is Blidingia marginata?
A typical specimen stands between 2 and 5 centimeters tall, though its width is only 100 to 200 micrometers and its thickness ranges from 12 to 100 micrometers. Each individual is made up of just 15 to 20 cells, each roughly 10 micrometers long.
Where can Blidingia marginata be found?
This species has a remarkably broad distribution, appearing in locations from the Azores and South Africa to the Gulf of Maine, the Mediterranean, Bermuda, Cuba, and Tristan da Cunha. It is essentially a cosmopolitan inhabitant of coastal waters on multiple continents.
What family does Blidingia marginata belong to?
It is a member of the family Kornmanniaceae, which places it among the green macroalgae. Its small, multicellular body of 15 to 20 cells reflects the simpler morphology typical of this group.
What is the cellular structure of Blidingia marginata?
Each individual consists of 15 to 20 cells, with each cell measuring approximately 10 micrometers in length. The overall organism is quite thin—between 12 and 100 micrometers—giving it a delicate, ribbon-like profile.
More in Marine Green Macroalgae, Part 2 1-24
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