Rhodomela confervoides vs. Dasysiphonia japonica

Straggly Bush Weed and Siphoned Japan Weed in Maine

Rhodomela confervoides is widely distributed and (currently) considered native in the Northwest Atlantic. It’s common in the mid to subtidal zones and can be found on rocks at low tide, usually mixed with other red algae.

Dasysiphonia japonica is an invasive species native to the Asian Pacific. Its range is expanding quickly and it’s often found washed up on the shore. It’s more prevalent in the subtidal.