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Kelp Forest

Bladder kelp

Appearance and habitat:

Bladder kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) is delicate kelp that can reach a maximum length of 12 metres. The fronds are rippled, with spines on the edges, and the base of each frond has a small, gas-filled bladder to help it float.

Habitat:

This type of kelp is endemic to the Western Cape coast, only found from Cape Point to Saldanha.

Diet:

Kelp is a plant and does not have a diet the same way animals do, kelp receives its nutrients through photosynthesis.

Threats:

Storm damage, global warming, pollution etc.

icon/kelp forest
Endemic to the Western Cape coast, only found from Cape Point to Saldanha.