Pelagophycus is a monotypic genus of kelp. It is found in deep waters off the west coast of central North America. The species Pelagophycus porra, also known as elk kelp, grows in temperatures of no higher than .
It grows in subtidal forests in the coastal waters off southern California and northwestern Baja California Peninsula, in waters of to deep, generally below the level of giant kelp (Macrocystis), with which it sometimes hybridizes, and is anchored by a holdfast in sedimentary or loose sediment bottoms.Guiry, M.D. & Guiry, G.M. 2013. Pelagophycus Areschoug, 1881, AlgaeBase, National University of Ireland, Galway. http://www.algaebase.org; searched on 7 February 2013.
Three ecotypes are recognized: Pelagophycus giganteus Pelagophycus porra Pelagophycus intermedius
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