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General · 1 August 2026

Pink zebra seaweed finally confirmed as new species after 40-year search

Pink zebra seaweed finally confirmed as new species after 40-year search

Professor Christine Maggs' discovery ends a four-decade quest to identify the elusive seaweed. Researchers in Cornwall found a sample two years ago, which Maggs kept in a wine fridge for DNA sequencing. The new species, ceramium ruenessianum, joins the Natural History Museum's collection and highlights the importance of protecting maerl beds.

Reported by BBC · How we write briefs

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