Rhodophyta - Reefs - 3    

Distribution of common Rhodophyta & Hawaiian Reefs

The diagram below shows the approximate distribution of the most Common Hawaiian Red Algal species along a "Typical" Tropical Reef.

The Numbers signify different species. Some are generalists and can be found at many locations on the reef.

Many species are found in Tidepools and Intertidal areas where they may be periodically exposed to the atmosphere.

A large number of species can be found on the Reef Flat.

Only a few species can be found along the Reef Crest which is exposed to vigorous wave action.

One of these, Porolithon onkodes, is the major "crustose" coralline alga that stabilizes Hawaiian reefs. The Reef Crest is referred to as the Porolithon Ridge.

A handful of species can grow at greater depths on the  Fore Reef Slope.