Morphometrics of Scinaia latifrons (Nemaliales, Rhodophyta) in the Southwestern Gulf of California, Mexico

Abstract

Scinaia latifrons Howe occurs in rhodolith beds between 9 to 27 m depths at San Lorenzo channel, Gulf of California, Mexico. As very little was known about the morphometrics of this normally temperate species in a subtropical area, we investigated the phenological changes from December 1998 to December 1999. The gametophytic phase of the species was present from late February to late May, which represented a shorter time period to other known species in the genus. Our results suggested that two gametophytic cohorts develop over winter and early spring based on the size class structure of the frond height. Thalli became reproductively mature at a small size (1-2 cm in height) and all the plants were monoecious. Scinaia latifrons at the study location underwent allometric growth, indicated by the lack of correlation between size, width of the plants, or branching patterns.