Kelp fronds and pneumatocysts, Macrocystis pyrifera, #25403

Kelp fronds and pneumatocysts.  Pneumatocysts, gas-filled bladders, float the kelp plant off the ocean bottom toward the surface and sunlight, where the leaf-like blades and stipes of the kelp plant grow fastest.  Giant kelp can grow up to 2' in a single day given optimal conditions.  Epic submarine forests of kelp grow throughout California's Southern Channel Islands. San Clemente Island, USA, Macrocystis pyrifera, natural history stock photograph, photo id 25403
Kelp fronds and pneumatocysts. Pneumatocysts, gas-filled bladders, float the kelp plant off the ocean bottom toward the surface and sunlight, where the leaf-like blades and stipes of the kelp plant grow fastest. Giant kelp can grow up to 2' in a single day given optimal conditions. Epic submarine forests of kelp grow throughout California's Southern Channel Islands. San Clemente Island, USA

Species: Giant kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera
Location: San Clemente Island, California
Image ID: 25403
Format: Digital 2:3
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