''Mesophyllum expansum'' is a species of red alga belonging to the family

Hapalidiaceae Hapalidiaceae is a family of red alga belonging to the order Corallinales Coralline algae are red algae in the order Corallinales. They are characterized by a thallus that is hard because of calcareous deposits contained within the cell walls. ...

.WoRMS
/ref>

Description

''Mesophyllum expansum'' can reach a diameter of about . Illuminated by artificial light they show a beautiful pink color, with hanging branches. These calcareous encrusting organisms can be observed occasionally near the surface and can reach a depth of .
/ref>

Distribution

This species is widespread in the Mediterranean Sea.

Bibliography

*Cabioch, J. & Mendoza, M.L. (2003). Mesophyllum expansum (Philippi) comb. nov. (Corallinales, Rhodophytes), et mise au point sur led Mesophyllum des mers d'Europe. Cahiers de Biologie Marine 44: 257–273. *Guiry, M.D. (2009). Mesophyllum expansum (Philippi) Cabioch & Mendoza, 2003. In: Guiry, M.D. & Guiry, G.M. (2009). AlgaeBase. World-wide electronic publication, National University of Ireland, Galway.

References

Corallinales Biota of the Mediterranean Sea Species described in 2003 {{Rhodophyta-stub