Submerged Aquatic Vegetation/ Green Fleece

COMMON NAME: Green Fleece

OTHER COMMON NAME(S):

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Codium fragile

FAMILY: Codiaceae

COMMUNITY: Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV)

STATUS: Non-native ~ Native of Japan

LIFESPAN: Biennial or Perennial

HEIGHT: to 16 inches

FLOWERING TIME:

FRUITING TIME:

DISTRIBUTION:

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Dark green ~ Even, Y-shaped  horizontal branches ~ Creeping shapeless, ropelike and spongy ~ Carpet-like mat on substrate ~ End with swollen structure

GENERAL INFORMATION: The name of this genus (Codium) is Greek for “skin of an animal” and refers to its soft texture. Green algae, such as Green Fleece, are among the most numerous algae with over 5,000 known species. This specie was accidentally introduced into the United State, possibly on the hull of a ship.  Since Green Fleece has no natural predators, it has becomes well established and can be found floating or attached.  When broken apart, the ends seal themselves to prevent water loss.