Abstract
The results obtained in this study highlight that further the macroalgae diversity in this region is even higher than what is reported to date. Here we present eight new records of marine macroalgae collected from the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica between March 2011 and May 2019. The morphological characteristics of Bryocladia cuspidata, Ceratodictyon variabile, Gracilaria hayi, Padina boergesenii, Zonaria tournefortii, Sargassum furcatum, Chaetomorpha aerea, and Bryopsis pennata var. secunda are described. The genera Bryocladia and Zonaria are reported for the first time for this region.
Highlights
The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica has an extension of approximately 215 km, ranging from Punta Castilla in the north to Punta Mona in the south
These records bring the total number to 332 exclusive macroalgal species reported for the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica
Distribution recorded in Costa Rica: Playa Punta Uva, province of Limón
Summary
The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica has an extension of approximately 215 km, ranging from Punta Castilla in the north to Punta Mona in the south. Its coastline is straighter and less rugged than the Pacific coast counterpart [1], providing a great diversity of marine ecosystems where macroalgal meadows form distinct habitats. The Atlantic coast is the more studied and the more diverse of the two coastlines. More than 350 species are reported in the Caribbean of Costa Rica, while for the Pacific coast have been reported around of 170 species of macroalgae, of which approximately 45 are shared with the Caribbean [2]. As ecosystem engineers and primary producers, macroalgae are key in structuring their local community and maintaining functional dynamics in coastal systems [3] [4] [5].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
