In tide pools or the drift line, epiphytic reds keep things interesting. These are delicate red algae that attach to plants or other algae. Their variety is high and field identification is a challenge.
I’ve browsed enough field guides and web resources to propose that the epiphyte in the photo above is red fringe, Smithora naiadum, but there is another possibility, a fringing Porphyra. Experts use a microscope to recognize the difference. Are you brave enough to guess which red epiphyte has hitched a ride on the the bladder chain below?
Beautiful bladder chain isn’t common on my home beaches in northern Oregon. Seasons passed and I didn’t get to see it’s chains of bead-like pneumatocysts in person. The photo above is from my first encounter, in the drift line, on a southern Oregon beach – what a treat. The anonymous little red is a Cherry on Top.
If you have thoughts about what the epiphyte on the bladder chain might be, please drop me a line.
My Brown Algae page contains a couple other images bladder chain, and some other common browns.
theoutershores 
How interesting, although I must admit I do not understand much of this! LOL! But it’s all pretty and found in the sea, so I love it.
Thanks! You must see lots of interesting marine life on your boating adventures.
Bladder chain is one of my favorites! Very common down here in Monterey Bay.
I’m glad I hit on a favorite. It’s sure a beauty, even in drift line.
Never knew this could be so beautiful but the sea has so much more beauty for me in reading you blog Steve!
I’m grateful to you for saying so Terri. Lot of beauty for sure.