FamilyValoniaceaeAlso known asBubble algae, Grape algae, Sailor's eyeballsDescriptionValonia ventricosa is one of the largest known unicellular organisms, forming spherical to ovoid bright green vesicles with a characteristic reticulated surface pattern. Each bubble-like structure is a single giant cell that can reach up to 5 cm in diameter. It grows attached to coral rubble, rock, and reef substrate in shallow tropical and subtropical marine environments.HabitatFound throughout tropical and subtropical seas worldwide including the Indo-Pacific, Caribbean, and Red Sea. Typically inhabits shallow reef environments from the intertidal zone down to about 80 m depth, growing on hard substrates including coral rubble, rocky reef, and dead coral.Conservation statusLeast ConcernNotesThe image is a close-up macro shot clearly showing the characteristic spherical green vesicles with fine reticulated surface texture of Valonia ventricosa. Multiple cells are visible at various sizes. Background shows encrusting pink coralline algae and reef rubble. Small amphipods or copepods may be visible near the base of the cells.Creatures detected8 in frame- Sailor's eyeball algae (Valonia ventricosa) - large cellplant_algae
- Sailor's eyeball algae - left lower cellplant_algae
- Sailor's eyeball algae - right lower cellplant_algae
- Sailor's eyeball algae - partial cell right edgeplant_algae
- Sailor's eyeball algae - small background cellplant_algae
- encrusting coralline algaeplant_algae
- encrusting sponge or coralinvertebrate
- small crustaceans (amphipods/copepods)invertebrate
