Species profile
Elk Kelp
Pelagophycus porra
Brown algae/kelps1.2K iNat observations
At a glance
Elk Kelp (Pelagophycus porra) is a marine alga with specific harvest rules tracked in 1 of 66 jurisdictions covered by CatchRules.
Confirmed by 1,052 research-grade iNaturalist observations, concentrated in California.
Notable details
- Elk kelp typically grows in deeper water than giant kelp, anchoring on rocky reefs in subtidal zones.
- Its two large, flattened blades at the top look strikingly like elk antlers, giving the species its name.
- A gas-filled float called a pneumatocyst keeps the long stipe buoyed upright in the water column.
- Elk kelp forests provide important shelter for rockfish, sheephead, and other species in deep reef habitats.
- It is found from central California south to Baja California, where it forms its own underwater forests.
Where Elk Kelp are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for Elk Kelp
Background
Pelagophycus is a monotypic genus of kelp. It is found in deep waters off the west coast of central North America. The species Pelagophycus porra, also known as Elk kelp, grows in temperatures of no higher than 60 °F (16 °C).
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Elk Kelp article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other brown algae/kelps on CatchRules
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.