Species · GBIF taxon 4267628
Bull Kelp
Nereocystis luetkeanaAlso known as Bullwhip Kelp, Ribbon Kelp, Edible Kelp, Bladder Wrack
Bull kelp anchors to rocky subtidal seafloors using a tough, webbed holdfast before growing up to 30 meters toward the ocean surface in a single season. A single gas-filled float at the top keeps long, ribbon-like fronds buoyed in the sunlight where photosynthesizing tissue thrives. These fast-growing annual algae form dense marine forests that shelter coastal fish, otters, and invertebrates along Pacific shores.
MarineAlgaeForest Formers
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Sunlight
- Dissolved Nitrates
- Dissolved Phosphates
Predators
- Purple Sea Urchin
- Red Sea Urchin
- Kelp Snail
ThreatsMarine heatwaves, ocean warming, and sea urchin overgrazing
HabitatsSubtidal rocky reefs and ocean waters
Life span1 year
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyLaminariaceae
- SpeciesNereocystis luetkeana
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Beachcombing: Look for washed-up stipes and hollow floats after winter storms.
- Paddling: Maneuver carefully around floating canopies to avoid tangling paddles.
Herbivore (c) Jerry Kirkhart, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Keystone Predator (c) Cricket Raspet, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Cricket Raspet · cc-by
Close Relative "Giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera), Monterey Bay aquarium, California" by LT&C is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/. · cc-by
Relative
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