Natural England - Burgundy maerl paint weed

Burgundy maerl paint weed

Cruoria cruoriaeformis

This encrusting red seaweed is not typically plant-like in appearance. It forms squashable, bright red growths, called crusts, which have a velvety texture and may be up to 2 cm in diameter. When dry, the crusts become smooth and burgundy in colour.

This red seaweed lives on the chalky red seaweeds, maerl, or on cobbles on the seabed, to which it is usually closely, and firmly, stuck.

Brief description of European distribution

This red seaweed is usually found associated with maerl beds around the western and south-western coasts of Britain and around the coast of Ireland. It is, however, absent from most western Scottish maerl beds

Conservation status / need

UKBAP Priority Species

Species of principal importance for the purpose of conserving of biodiversity under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006

Nationally scarce species

Further information sources

A red seaweed - Cruoria cruoriaeformisexternal link (MarLIN)

UK Priority Species Synonymyexternal link (UKBAP)

Interesting fact

Seaweeds such as this need a hard surface on which to grow. Maerl provides this, which is just one of the reasons why the maerl bed habitat is so important.