The Brown Algae

The Brown Algae also known as Phaeophyceae is one of the largest groups and fastest growing seaweeds in the world. They grow as much as 50 centimeters per day and the stipes can grow to as much as 6 centimeters in a single day. Throughout the world there are about 1500- 2000 species of brown algae, distributed in various locations around the globe. Brown algae play an important part in the marine ecology by providing food for tiny marine organisms and other marine life. This type of seaweed is prominently known for having chloroplasts surrounded by four membranes. Most species of brown algae contain fucoxanthin pigments that cause the distinctive greenish-brown color that gives them their name.