Red algae, or Rhodophyta, make up one of the oldest and largest phyla of eukaryotic algae, with over 7,000 recognized species across more than 900 genera. Most species belong to the class Florideophyceae and are multicellular marine organisms, including many familiar seaweeds, though about five percent of species live in freshwater, mostly in warmer regions. Red algae lack flagella and centrioles and have chloroplasts containing phycobiliproteins, which give them their characteristic red color, though they can also appear green, pink, brown or nearly black depending on depth and conditions.
Facts
Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceColour varies from bright green and soft pink to shades of red and purple, almost black at greater depths 1 Classification
System (Realm) Scientific Name Sources
1. Red algae, Wikipedia
Introduction, opening sentence
Red algae, or Rhodophyta
Description, color and pigmentation
Despite their name, red algae can vary in color from bright green, soft pink, resembling brown algae, to shades of red and purple, and may be almost black at greater depths and are only called red algae due to the phycobiliproteins and the reddish members.
system (MediaWiki batch-API article extract states it plainly)
The majority of species (6,793) are in the class Florideophyceae, and mostly consist of multicellular marine algae, including many notable seaweeds.
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