Family

Common name: Kelp

Scientific name: Laminariaceae

The Laminariaceae family, commonly known as kelp, consists of large brown algae seaweeds that inhabit the cooler coastal waters of the oceans. These algae are important in marine ecosystems for providing habitat and food for a variety of sea life. In reefkeeping, kelp is not typically kept due to its size and preference for cooler water, but its smaller relatives may be used to add diversity and serve as a natural food source for certain fish and invertebrates.

  1. Seaweed or Laminaria lies on the sand by the ocean, Kunashir Island
    Common name: Oarweed
    Scientific name: Laminaria digitata
  2. The underwater kelp forests off San Clemente Island in California's Channel Islands are some of the most beautiful in the world.
    Common name: giant kelp
    Scientific name: Macrocystis pyrifera