Lessonia trabeculata

Classification (WoRMS)

Full classification as recorded by WoRMS: Kingdom: Chromista · Phylum: Ochrophyta · Class: Phaeophyceae · Order: Laminariales · Family: Lessoniaceae · Genus: Lessonia.

Accepted name: Lessonia trabeculata · Authority: Villouta & Santelices, 1986 · Taxonomic status: accepted · AphiaID: 373655.

Source: World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) — https://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=373655 (CC BY 4.0). Accessed 2026-09-23.

Biology and life history (SeaLifeBase)

Measured values published by SeaLifeBase for Lessonia trabeculata. Only fields the database actually holds for this species are shown; these are database values, not aquarium guidance.

Habitat zone: sessile.

Source: SeaLifeBase species summary (SpecCode 114935) — https://www.sealifebase.se/summary/Lessonia-trabeculata.html (CC BY-NC 3.0 — non-commercial use only). Accessed 2026-09-23.

Distribution and occurrence records (GBIF)

16,923 georeferenced occurrence records for Lessonia trabeculata are published through GBIF from 1 countries or marine areas. The map above plots 11 distinct locations from a sample of 3,000 records, omitting 4 inland records that carry an institution's coordinates rather than a collection site; it shows where the species has been observed and reported, not a modelled range.

Most records by country or area: Chile (16,923).

The full country table, WoRMS marine regions and the sampling notes are on this species' Distribution page.

Source: GBIF Occurrence Search (taxonKey 5422340) — https://www.gbif.org/occurrence/search?taxon_key=5422340&has_coordinate=true (records CC0 / CC BY); WoRMS distribution records (MarineRegions) — https://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=373655 (CC BY 4.0); Natural Earth 110m basemap — https://www.naturalearthdata.com/ (public domain). Accessed 2026-09-23.

Description and natural history (Wikipedia)

This kelp can grow to a length of 2.5 m. It is distinguished from all other members of the genus by the presence of trabeculae (cross struts) in the hollow centres of the blades and stipes (stems), and by the massive and irregular holdfast by which the kelp is attached to the rocks.

Lessonia trabeculata occurs in the southeastern Pacific Ocean, in the subtidal zone off the coasts of Peru and northern and central Chile. Its range extends from Antofagasta to Puerto Montt and its depth range is between 0.5 and 20 m. It forms substantial stands, being found in rocky areas exposed or partially exposed to strong wave action. This species is replaced in the intertidal rocky areas by Lessonia nigrescens, and these two kelps dominate the habitat forming kelp forests. Further south in Chile, Durvillaea antarctica becomes the dominant species of kelp.

Lessonia trabeculata grows in areas with strong surges, however it can be torn off the rocks during storms such as those associated with El Niño. It seems to have an annual cycle of growth, with the blade elongating fast during the summer, but growth slowing down in the autumn. It is possible to grow this species in the laboratory, and it may be suitable for aquaculture, with the aim of using it to repair damaged stands of kelp.

Source: Wikipedia: Lessonia trabeculata — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lessonia_trabeculata (CC BY-SA 4.0). Accessed 2026-09-23.

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