Description: Thallus small and tuft-like. Filaments erect, monosiphonous to 5 mm in height, rising from a cushion-like hemispherical base which is gelatinous and easily squashed.

Habitat: Common. Epiphytic on Himanthalia elongata.

Distribution: Widespread around the British Isles. Europe: Portugal, Spain, France, Netherlands, Norway and the Faroes.

Similar Species: Other species of Elachista and other small tufted algae require microscopic examination for identification.

Distribution Map from NBN: Elachista scutulata at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Elachista scutulata at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

WoRMS: Elachista scutulata at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Elachista scutulata (Smith) Areschoug, 1843. AphiaID: 144942.

Classification: Biota; Chromista; Harosa; Heterokonta; Ochrophyta; Phaeophyceae; Fucophycidae; Ectocarpales; Chordariaceae; Elachista