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what are the characteristics of red alge?
Red algae is one of the largest phyla of algae, with more than 5,000 distinct species. They are almost exclusively multicellular marine algae, and many of the common seaweed varieties people eat belong to this group. They can be contrasted primarily with brown and green algae, and should not be mistaken with the phylum Dinoflagellata, which are algae that cause the so-called red tide.

Characteristics of Red Algae
Red algae gets its name from the pigment phycoerythrin, which masks the green color of the chlorophyll in these algae.

Different red algae may have a filamentous form (Bonnemaisonia hamifera) or a leafy form (dulse, or Palmaria palmata). The red algae Porphyra is grown on nets, harvested and dried on bamboo screens, and formed into thin, glossy sheets to be used as a wrap for various kinds of sushi.

    Red algae tend to have more red pigment farther from shore and less nearer shore, so those living in shallower water tend to be greener.

    Red algae are the most abundant algae in warm tropical water, which is very clear and enables them to use accessory pigments to absorb blue and green wavelengths of light at relatively great depths.

    Some red algae are found in freshwater and terrestrial habitats.

    Although they never get as large as giant brown algae, the largest red algae are considered "seaweeds." Some are used as foods, such as Porphyra (or Japanese "nori"), which is used as a sushi wrap.

    Life cycle in red algae are diverse and include alternation of generations, but because they lack flagellated stages in their life cycles, their gametes can only be fertilized when water currents bring them together.

    phycoerythrin

    A red, light-harvesting protein found in cyanobacteria, red algae, and cryptomonads.
   
Red algae

    The red algae, or Rhodophyta, are one of the oldest groups of eukaryotic algae, and also one of the largest, with about 5,000 to 6,000 species


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