Martensia spp, Batemans Marine Park, near Depot Beach NSW

Description:

Description: English: I first encountered Martensia in a narrow channel on rocky shelves on the NSW south coast, and was attracted by its striking iridescence. Over three visits, I have only ever found three specimens. This one was from near Depot Beach, Murramarang National Park, abutting the Batemans Marine Park NSW protected area. Martensia is a genus of marine red macro algae (Division: Rhodophyta, Family: Delesseriaceae). According to the marine algae experts consulted, ID of the specific species here is difficult for two reasons. First is the need for microscopic analysis, particularly of reproductive traits, and also there is some taxonomic confusion. However, it is very probably one of M. australis, M. fragilis or M. elegans. Date: 16 April 2015, 15:11:36. Source: Own work. Author: RoyEdward. Camera location35° 36′ 59.35″ S, 150° 19′ 25.76″ E View all coordinates using: OpenStreetMap-35.616486; 150.323823.