Skip to main content

Mermaid's Wine Glass

Acetabularia major

Photo by AlbertKang
Published on Project Noah
Zoom
NominateNominate for Wildlife Photograph of the Month
reportFlag Spotting

13.7279, 120.884

Field Notes

Description:

This Acetabularia major algae looks like underwater fungi, the stalk is around 3-4 cm and the green cap is around 1 cm in diameter.

Generally, the Acetabularia algae are fondly referred to as Mermaid's Wine Glass.

Despite their look, they are a Single-Cell Organism. It comprised of three anatomical parts: a bottom rhizoid that resembles a set of short roots; a long stalk in the middle; and a top umbrella of branches that may fuse into a cap. The single nucleus of Acetabularia is located in the rhizoid, and allows the cell to regenerate completely if its cap is removed. The caps of two Acetabularia may also be exchanged, even from two different species. In addition, if a piece of the stem is removed, with no access to the nucleus in the rhizoid, this isolated stem piece will also grow a new cap.

Habitat:

They are usually found in shallow sandy bottom.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (0)

Be the first to comment

Sign in to comment

Accelerate our Mission to Photograph 
Every Species in the World!

Image
Butterflies icon

Wildlife Community

Wildlife Community

Join a worldwide community passionate about wildlife and nature!

Join Project Noah

Nature School

Nature School

Transform your green space into a curiosity-creating nature classroom!

Visit Nature School

Wildlife Game

Wildlife Game

Defend wildlife throughout the jungle in thrilling nature game!

Play Baboon