Superphylum Heterokonta Genus Pelagophycus Higher classification Pelagophycus Order Kelp | Scientific name Pelagophycus porra Rank Species | |
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Similar Kelp, Egregia, Nereocystis, Postelsia, Pterygophora californica |
Pelagophycus is a genus of kelp. It is found in deep waters off the west coast of central North America. The species Pelagophycus porra, also known as Elk kelp, grows in temperatures of no higher than 60° Fahrenheit (15.56° Celsius.)
It grows in subtidal forests in the coastal waters off southern California and northwestern Baja California Peninsula, in waters of 20 metres (66 ft) to 90 metres (300 ft) deep, anchored by a holdfast in sedimentary or loose sediment bottoms.

Three ecotypes are recognized:
Pelagophycus giganteusPelagophycus porraPelagophycus intermedius

References
Pelagophycus Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA