Gracilariopsis chorda is a red alga with a cord-like axis, and long, sparse, string-like branches, ranging from olive to brown or purple. The thalli can extend to 11000 mm in length. Gracilariopsis chorda is native to the Northwest Pacific from Japan to Vietnam. It was collected in Elkhorn Slough in 2011, in Morro Bay in 2015, and also found in Tomales Bay. It has been found growing in mud, attached to small pebbles and mud. This seaweed has also been introduced to Brittany, France. Ballast water, fouling, and transfers of Pacific oysters are likely vectors for transport of this seaweed.