Rhodophyceae

Rhodophyceae, also known as red algae, are a group of seaweeds characterized by their reddish color, which comes from pigments called phycoerythrins. They thrive in marine environments, from shallow waters to deep oceans, and play essential roles in aquatic ecosystems. Red algae are important for their contributions to coral reef building through calcium carbonate deposits and are also valued commercially for foods like nori and ingredients in products such as agar, used in laboratories. Their unique pigments allow them to perform photosynthesis at greater depths than many other algae, making them vital to ocean biodiversity.