Codium
genus of green algae
Codium, genus of about 50 species of marine green algae (family Codiaceae) usually found in deep pools along rocky coasts. Essentially filamentous, the multinucleate branches are often woven together to form a velvety pseudothallus that can exceed 30 cm (11.8 inches) in length. Some species are dichotomously branching and somewhat erect. In sexual reproduction the male gametes are small, contain one or two chloroplasts, and have two flagella, while the female gametes are larger and have many chloroplasts. Codium is the favourite food of some sea slugs.