Kelp

ocean · seaweed · super tall

Ocean giants. Kelp are massive brown algae that can grow taller than trees, reaching over 100 feet long in some species. They sway in underwater currents like forests on land.

Not quite plants. Even though kelp looks like a plant and makes food using sunlight, it's actually something different called a stramenopile. Scientists put it in its own special group because it's so unique.

Underwater cities. Kelp forests provide homes and food for thousands of sea creatures, from tiny fish to sea otters and seals. These forests are some of the most lively habitats in the ocean.

Energy from sun. Like plants, kelp uses photosynthesis to turn sunlight into food it can eat. This makes kelp one of nature's most productive living things.

Cold water homes. Kelp grows best in chilly ocean waters along rocky coasts, especially near California, Japan, and the coasts of northern Europe and South America.