SIZE:
Up to 40 cm.
LIFE EXPECTANCY:
Unknown.
LIFE CYCLE:
Spring species, found on the south side of the Gaspé Peninsula. Once July has passed, it is difficult to find Devaleraea ramentacea.
Devaleraea ramentacea is a dark red algae with a varying appearance: hollow and tube-shaped when young, flattened when fully grown. Branches are present at the base of the algae. These intensify as young individuals develop on the previous year’s stipe.
Coastal zone, in cold waters.
Devaleraea ramentacea settles on rocks in environments exposed to waves.
Devaleraea ramentacea lives in the tidal zone and can be found almost out of the water at low tide. Credit : Éric Tamigneaux, photo taken in Pointe-Saint-Pierre.
PREYS:
CO2
Solar energy
PREDATORS:
Herbivorous molluscs
Herbivorous gasteropods
This algae is not yet commercially harvested in Quebec.
Máirin de Valéra
Devaleraea ramentacea was described as a new species in 1982. Its Latin name, Devaleraea, is a tribute to the Irish researcher, Máirin de Valéra, founder of the Phycological Society of Great Britain.
Devaleraea ramentacea is a Smarter seafood listed species.
LET’S COOK:
Crunchy, firm texture.
The waters of the St. Lawrence are known for their good quality. However, as algae absorb the elements present in the water in order to grow, it is preferable to make sure that the harvesting site is clean before eating them fresh.
