Biotic Setting | Benthic/Attached Biota |
Biotic Class | Aquatic Vegetation Bed |
Biotic Subclass | Benthic Macroalgae |
Biotic Group | Mesh/Bubble Algal Bed |
Biotic Community | Dichyosphaeria Communities Valonia Communities Ventricaria Communities |
Definition | Areas dominated by mesh or bubble algae that form small, generally spherical masses attached to the benthos. They may develop lobes as they grow, but they do not further differentiate at the macro level. These masses may be hard or leathery, and they can sometimes be hollow. Bubble algae can be fast growing, quickly colonizing exposed reef surfaces, overtaking new coral growth, and deterring other animals from attaching there. |