Distribution in scandinavian waters | Maximum length: Bladder wrack can grow to over 1 m. Appearance: In its typical form, bladder wrack has air filled bladders that are attached in pairs. The leafy lobes have a clear central nerve that reaches all the way to the top of the shoots. When the reproductive organs are present, they are found in the often yellow ends of the lobe. These parts of the lobs are known as receptacles and are granular, swollen, and quite often splitted. Its colour can vary from yellow-green to dark brown. Bladder wrack that is devoid of air filled bladders resemble spiral wrack and arctic wrack. Depth: Along the Swedish west coast, it is found dominating banks from sea level and to a depth of about 1,5 m . In the Baltic, these banks of bladder wrack can reach depths of about 10 m. Environment: Found on rocks and cliffs in wave exposed areas to sheltered estuaries. Misc: In the picture above, a periwinkle and a red alga are visible. Classification: Bladder wrack is a member of the brown algae group. |