Description: A small filamentous erect algae, growing as small tufts less than 10 mms long. Branches few and simple. Main axis with transverse and longitudinal divisions ending with a large apical cell.

Habitat: Sublittoral on stones or other algae.

Distribution: A rare northern species in the British Isles. Europe: France, the Baltic, Norway, Faroes and Iceland.

Similar Species: Most species of Sphacelaria, and other small branched brown algae, are very alike and require microscopic examination for identification.

Key Identification Features:

• No more than 1 cm high, simple or with one or two branches, not pinnate.

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

iNaturalist: Sphacelaria caespitula at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

WoRMS: Sphacelaria caespitula at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Sphaceloderma caespitulum (Lyngbye) Draisma, Prud'homme & H.Kawai, 2010. AphiaID: 624200.

Classification: Biota; Chromista; Harosa; Heterokonta; Ochrophyta; Phaeophyceae; Dictyotophycidae; Sphacelariales; Sphacelariaceae; Sphacelaria