Mainly, they are the result of type-specific pigments found in the plastids (where photosynthesis takes place in seaweed cells). ... Brown seaweeds get their color from another type of pigment, carotenoids. Among them, fucoxanthin is the most common.

Why are seaweeds yellow or brown?

Seaweeds can be grouped into three types, based on colour – green, red or brown. They all contain the light-absorbing pigment chlorophyll, which is necessary for photosynthesis. ... These extra pigments mask the green colour of chlorophyll. Brown seaweeds can be yellow-brown to dark olive.

Why is seaweed not green?

Seaweeds are no different, red, green, and brown seaweeds contain chlorophyll. However, brown and red seaweeds have additional pigments that give them a different colors; red seaweeds have phycoerythrin while brown seaweeds have fucoxanthin (image below). ... This trick is used for the iconic seaweed salad (wakame).