Algae Biodiversity Lab

Saturday, March 6th, Evening Activity
Post by: Jon Lesser

Earlier in the day, at the different sets of coral heads, we collected two different types of algae. One was a green algae, called Halmeida oputia triloba, and the other was a red algae called Neogoniolithon strictum. We spent the evening learning about the different types of alga, the differences between plants and algae, and the specific type of algae we were studying. We were then given forceps, spoons, small trays filled with salt water to remove and categorize different species hidden within the algal samples. We began with the green algae, which mainly had marine worms (spaghetti worms were so awesome to look at) and echinoderms (30 brittle stars in one sample whose arms glow at night when agitated - we saw this!). This was because it was softer and easier for these creatures to move through. The second algal sample was the red algae. It mainly had crustaceans and sponges. The crustaceans like this algae, because it has hard crevices for crabs and shrimp (many colors of mantis shrimp) to hide within. The sponges like it because it is easier to stick to with its hard surfaces. The coolest thing we found in the algae was a one-year old tiny octopus hiding in the a crevice in the red algae. This unbelievable find topped off one of the best days of the trip perfectly!