Cochayuyo

Scientific name
Porphyra spp.

English name
Nori

General description
Cochayuyo, represented here by species of the genus Porphyra spp., is a seaweed of great ecological and nutritional importance on the Pacific coasts. It grows attached to rocky substrates in intertidal zones, where it is exposed during low tide and submerged again with the incoming sea.

These algae are characterized by their thin, flexible laminar structure, with colors ranging from intense red to dark browns or greens depending on the species, light, and environmental conditions. Their ability to adapt to sudden changes in temperature, salinity, and air exposure makes them a highly resilient species.

From an ecological point of view, it plays a key role as a primary producer, generating biomass that supports marine food webs. In addition, it serves as a refuge and habitat for small invertebrates, contributing to the biodiversity of the coastal ecosystem.