Hydroclathrus clathratus is a species of brown algae, of the phylum Ochrophyta. [1] It is a yellowish-brown net-like algae that can be found in almost every ocean. [2]
| Hydroclathrus clathratus | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Clade: | Sar |
| Clade: | Stramenopiles |
| Phylum: | Ochrophyta |
| Class: | Phaeophyceae |
| Order: | Ectocarpales |
| Family: | Scytosiphonaceae |
| Genus: | Hydroclathrus |
| Species: | H. clathratus |
| Binomial name | |
| Hydroclathrus clathratus | |
Hydroclathratus clathratus is formed as a porous netlike masses with a range in color from light tan or yellow to medium brown, typically 10-25 cm in diameter with a height of 3-15 cm. [3] [4] They are generally spherical and hollow as it develops, becoming very convoluted with countless perforations of varying sizes and shapes. [2] Typically though, these perforations are round or oval shaped holes that range in layout and can be 2 mm to 4 cm long. [3]
This species is widespread and can be found from temperate to tropical areas in the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific. [5] They are typically in shallow reef flats and mid- to low-depth intertidal pools. [2] They can sometimes be found in high intertidal pools, and can be found as deep as 33m. [4] They're frequently found growing on rocks, with mixed species, or as epiphytes. [2] [6]
Hydroclathratus clathratus are sometimes used for human consumption, typically in salads. [5] It is also used as animal feed and fertilizer. [5]