Mesophyllum expansum

Mesophyllum expansum is a species of red alga belonging to the family Hapalidiaceae.^[1][2]

Mesophyllum expansum
Mesophyllum expansum
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Clade:	Archaeplastida
Division:	Rhodophyta
Class:	Florideophyceae
Order:	Corallinales
Family:	Hapalidiaceae
Genus:	Mesophyllum
Species:	M. expansum
Binomial name
Mesophyllum expansum (Philippi) Cabioch & M.L.Mendoza, 2003
Synonyms
Lithophyllum expansum Philippi 1837 Stereophyllum expansum (Philippi) Heydrich 1904 Pseudolithophyllum expansum (Philippi) M.Lemoine 1924

Description

Mesophyllum expansum can reach a diameter of about 30 centimetres (12 in). Illuminated by artificial light they show a beautiful pink color, with hanging branches. These calcareous encrusting organisms can be observed occasionally near the surface and can reach a depth of 70 metres (230 ft).^[3]

Distribution

This species is widespread in the Mediterranean Sea.^[3]

Bibliography

• Cabioch, J. & Mendoza, M.L. (2003). Mesophyllum expansum (Philippi) comb. nov. (Corallinales, Rhodophytes), et mise au point sur led Mesophyllum des mers d'Europe. Cahiers de Biologie Marine 44: 257–273.
• Guiry, M.D. (2009). Mesophyllum expansum (Philippi) Cabioch & Mendoza, 2003. In: Guiry, M.D. & Guiry, G.M. (2009). AlgaeBase. World-wide electronic publication, National University of Ireland, Galway.