Macrocystis pyrifera

(Linnaeus) C.Agardh 1820

Giant Kelp

Range: Eastern Pacific Ocean: US coastline to Alaska, and also South America, South Africa, and Australia.

Natural Environment: Deep coastal areas where it grows to heights of about 150 feet (45 m) and can grow as much as 2 feet (60 cm) per day.

Aquarium Suitability: Unsuitable for home aquariums.

Note: Forms dense stands known as 'kelp beds,' which are the home of many different marine animals and is also harvested for its rich iodine, potassium and other minerals for human consumption.

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Chromista

Class: Phaeophyceae

Order: Laminariales

Family: Laminariaceae

Genus: Macrocystis