Species · GBIF taxon 8222574
bladder wrack
Fucus vesiculosusAlso known as Black Tang, Rockweed, Sea Oak, Bladder Fucus
Bladder wrack clings securely to rocky marine coastlines using a specialized holdfast, forming dense mid-intertidal beds that shelter small marine invertebrates during low tide. Paired, air-filled bladders along its olive-brown fronds keep the photosynthetic tissues floating upright toward sunlight when submerged. Historically significant as the original source of iodine, this marine brown alga plays a critical ecological role in coastal nutrient cycling.
MarineIntertidalBrown Alga
—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
- Common Periwinkle
- Sea Urchins
- Isopods
ThreatsCoastal pollution, rising sea temperatures, and habitat destruction
HabitatsIntertidal rocky shores and sheltered estuaries
Life span3 to 5 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyFucaceae
- SpeciesFucus vesiculosus
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
- Tread Carefully: Wet seaweed beds on exposed rocks are extremely slippery to walk across.
- Low Tide Viewing: Search rocky tidal pools during low tide to observe the inflated bladders floating.
- Leave in Place: Avoid tearing holdfasts from rocks to protect delicate coastal intertidal communities.
Frequent Companion Predator Close Relative Close Relative
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