Chondracanthus is a red algae genus in the family Gigartinaceae. The name Chondracanthus is from χόνδρος} (khóndros or chondrus) meaning 'cartilage' and ακανθα (acantha) meaning 'spine or thorn,' together meaning 'with cartilaginous spines.' This refers to the rubbery papillae on the surface of the blades containing the reproductive structures.