Non-geniculate Coralline Red Algae Research Articles

Survey of non-geniculate coralline red algae from Brazil and the identification of four new species of Lithophyllum (Corallinales, Corallinophycidae)

ABSTRACT Specimens attributed to the genus Lithophyllum were collected during multiple surveys conducted along the Brazilian coast. These specimens were studied using DNA sequences from three molecular markers (COI5P, psbA, rbcL) and comparative morphoanatomical analyses. This approach revealed eight distinct, well-supported lineages: two currently known species, Lithophyllum atlanticum and L. kaiseri; four new species, L. brasiliense sp. nov., L. pseudomargaritae sp. nov., L. solis sp. nov. and L. tomitae sp. nov.; and two additional lineages that remain unresolved as the available data were incongruent or insufficient. Lithophyllum pseudomargaritae was morpho-anatomically similar but distantly related to sequences from the type locality of specimens morphologically identified as L. margaritae. This study confirms the occurrence of cryptic/pseudocryptic coralline diversity in the Brazilian flora.

Diversity and Abundance of Non-Geniculate Coralline Algae (NGCA) in Different Reef Conditions and Depth Zones

Non-g eniculate coralline red algae (NGCA) provide habitats for many epiphytic fauna and flora, and are considered reef engineers. The identification of NGCA is challenging due to cryptic speciation and their phenotypic plasticity that can be mediated by environmental conditions. Using DNA sequence data (psbA gene), a systematic examination was undertaken of the diversity and abundance of NGCA from two different reef conditions (fair and poor reef) and depth zones (shallow and deep zone) of a subtidal reef in the Gulf of Thailand at Koh Taen, Surat Thani Province, Thailand. Phylogentic analysis revealed 11 putative species: Chamberlainium sp., Dawsoniolithon sp., Hydrolithon boergesenii, Lithophyllum sp.1, Lithophyllum sp.2, Neogoniolithon sp.1, Neogoniolithon sp.2, Parvicellularium sp., Sporolithon ptychoides, Sporolithon sp.1 and Sporolithon sp.2. Specimens attributed to a newly recorded genus Parvicellularium, showed its highest abundance in the deep zone, while specimens attributed to Lithophyllum and Sporolithon were dominant in the shallow zone. The abundance of all NGCA genera showed no significant differences among reef conditions. Here, we present an updated overview of the diversity and abundance of NGCA in Thai waters.

Rhodolith-forming coralline red algae in the CaCO3 biofactory — A case study from the Serravallian of tropical northeastern Indian Ocean

Rhodolith-forming non-geniculate coralline red algae have been recorded from the Long Formation, exposed in four different outcrops at Little Andaman Island (Hut Bay) in the northeastern Indian Ocean. The non-geniculate corallines are represented by species of Sporolithon Heydrich, 1897, Mesophyllum Lemoine, 1928, Lithothamnion Heydrich, 1897, Phymatolithon Foslie, 1898, Lithoporella (Foslie) Foslie, 1909, Spongites Kützing, 1841, Neogoniolithon Setchell & Mason, 1943 and Lithophyllum Philippi, 1837. The algal assemblages also include geniculate corallines belonging to the genera Amphiroa Lamouroux, 1812 and Corallina Linnaeus, 1758. In addition, larger benthic foraminifers and few planktonic foraminifers also have been identified in thin section analysis. Based on the earlier study carried out on planktonic foraminifers, the Long Formation has been dated as Serravallian (late middle Miocene) and chronostratigraphically, the Long Formation has been included in the Ongeian Regional Stage. In the rhodolith-forming non-geniculate corallines, various growth forms and taphonomic features have been recognized. Diagenesis affected the studied material by micritization, cementation and compaction. The four outcrops are dominated by bioclastic wackestone and packstone composed of coralline red algae, benthic and planktonic foraminifers, echinoid spines and unidentified coral fragments. The rhodolith-forming coralline red algae, the growth forms and taphonomic features in non-geniculate corallines and the characteristic benthic foraminifers are indicative of a moderate energy depositional environment. This study indicates that the carbonate production was considerably high during the Serravallian of the tropical northeastern Indian Ocean.

Rhodolith Bed Discovered off the South African Coast

Rhodolith beds have not previously been recorded in South Africa. A multidisciplinary research effort used remote sampling tools to survey the historically unexplored continental shelf off the Eastern Cape coast of South Africa. A rhodolith bed, bearing both living and dead non-geniculate coralline red algae, was discovered in the 30–65 m depth range off the Kei River mouth in the newly proclaimed Amathole Offshore Marine Protected Area. Some of the rhodolith forming coralline algal specimens were identified as belonging to at least three genera based on their morphology and anatomy, namely, Lithophyllum, Lithothamnion and a non-descript genus. Rhodolith mean mass and diameter were 44.85 g ± 34.22 g and 41.28 mm ± 10.67 mm (N = 13), respectively. Remotely operated vehicle (ROV) imagery revealed a suite of epibenthic red macroalgae associated with the rhodolith bed. Taxonomy, vertical structure and distribution of rhodoliths in South Africa require further investigation.

Coralline red algae—a new host taxon for burrowing barnacles (Cirripedia, Acrothoracica)

To date, living acrothoracican barnacles have only been directly observed burrowing into the skeletons of marine animals or into calcareous rocks. While surveying the Acrothoracica of South Africa, we recorded live Weltneria spinosa Berndt, 1907, burrowed into a beach-cast rhodolith, comprising non-geniculate coralline red algae from the genus Lithophyllum Philippi, 1837. Unoccupied holes of the same acrothoracican were also found in another rhodolith identified as Neogoniolithon brassica-florida (Harvey) Setchell & L.R.Mason, 1943. A search of herbarium material also revealed the same acrothoracican species burrowing into two thick discoid coralline algal species, Lithophyllum neoatalayense Masaki, 1968, and Heydrichia woelkerlingii R.A.Townsend, Y.M.Chamberlain & Keats, 1994. These are the first unequivocal records of living acrothoracicans burrowing into coralline red algae. The fact that several algal species were colonized and that these were found across a range of sites suggests that coralline algae represent a previously unknown habitat type for this group of barnacles and that this habitat greatly increases the known range of substrates available for colonization. Further inspections of coralline algae in this and other regions will likely reveal many more new host records and possibly new host-specific acrothoracican species.

Reef-building coralline algae from the Southwest Atlantic: filling gaps with the recognition of Harveylithon (Corallinaceae, Rhodophyta) on the Brazilian coast.

The Southwest Atlantic is notable for having extensive reef areas cemented by nongeniculate coralline red algae. Based on an analysis of four genetic markers and morpho-anatomical features, we clarify the species of Harveylithon in the tropical and warm temperate Southwest Atlantic. Species delimitation methods (mBGD, ABGD, SPN, and PTP), using three markers (psbA, rbcL, and COI), support the recognition of three new species: H.catarinense sp. nov., H. maris-bahiensis sp. nov., and H. riosmenum sp. nov., previously incorrectly called Hydrolithon samoënse. Our findings highlight the importance of using an approach with several lines of evidence to solve the taxonomic status of the cryptic species.

Skeletal growth controls on Mg/Ca and P/Ca ratios in tropical Eastern Pacific rhodoliths (coralline red algae)

The Mg/Ca ratios of non-geniculate coralline red algae (CA) are often assumed to be solely dependent on the sea surface temperature (SST) in which they grow, suggesting that they are ideal proxies for SST reconstruction. Mg/Ca ratio cyclicity is also commonly used as a marker for annual growth band identification in many CA species. However, other controls on elemental uptake such as light, calcification mechanisms, and vital effects may control elemental ratios (e.g. Mg/Ca and P/Ca) in certain genera or species of CA, thus complicating the use of Mg/Ca and P/Ca ratios as a proxy source for SST and paleo-environmental reconstructions. Here we present evidence showing that the Mg/Ca and P/Ca ratio cyclicity in unattached living tropical Lithothamnion sp. (n=8) rhodoliths correlate >90% to the number of sub-annual growth bands (n=1 to 20) formed during a 172-day controlled growth experiment and not to temperature or other environmental conditions (e.g. salinity, pH, etc.). This pattern is also observed in the wild, pre-experimental growth further supporting that the bands are not annual. The Mg/Caalga (R2=0.67; p-value=0.013; n=8) and P/Caalga (R2=0.64; p-value=0.018; n=8) significantly correlate to skeletal extension during the experiment. This work has implications for trace elemental proxy development using CA as well as the influence of skeletal extension on elemental incorporation in biogenic carbonates, particularly rhodoliths of Lithothamnion sp. from the Gulf of Panama, Panama.

Updated keys to the non-geniculate coralline red algae (Corallinophycidae, Rhodophyta) of South Africa

The South African rocky subtidal and intertidal habitats are rich in diversity and abundance of non-geniculate coralline red algae. Despite their ubiquity, they are still a comparatively poorly known group of marine organisms. Ongoing taxonomic changes have meant that the classification and characterisation of these algae have been in constant flux. In light of these ongoing changes, the aim of this paper was to reconcile the most recent publications with previous consolidated records to produce the most up-to-date keys to the non-geniculate coralline red algae of South Africa. As a consequence of ongoing taxonomic changes and additional, more focused collections, currently 45 species of non-geniculate coralline red algae, belonging to three orders (Corallinales, Hapalidiales, Sporolithales), three families (Corallinaceae, Hapalidiaceae, Sporolithaceae), seven subfamilies (Choreonematoideae, Hydrolithoideae, Lithophyloideae, Mastophoroideae, Melobesioideae, Metagoniolithoideae, Neogoniolithoideae) and 18 genera are now recognised to occur along the South African coast. South Africa has representative species from more than half of the currently recognised extant genera of non-geniculate coralline red algae, with the order Corallinales best represented. Nearly one in four species are endemic to the South African coastline and nearly one in three species are endemic to the region. Recent molecular evidence has pointed to a large number of cryptic species, suggesting that the true diversity for South Africa is substantially greater than what is currently recognised based solely on morphology and anatomy.

Molecular data confirm the existence of attached crustose tetrasporangial thalli in Phymatolithon calcareum (Melobesioideae, Hapalidiaceae, Rhodophyta) from the Mediterranean Sea

Phymatolithon calcareum is a species of non-geniculate coralline red algae that commonly forms maërl beds. Tetrasporangial thalli of this species are characterized by unattached growths (rhodoliths), which develop as a branched system without a central nodule, while the attached crustose forms are uncommon and are known only from Brittany (Atlantic coasts of France). In this study we confirm with molecular data the existence of attached crustose tetrasporangial thalli and describe for the first time epilithic, fruticose tetrasporangial specimens from the Mediterranean Sea (Vis Island, Croatia). Since the identification of coralline algal species is difficult due to the high morphological plasticity of the group, molecular analyses based on the nuclear nSSU and the plastidial psbA markers were necessary to correctly identify the specimens. Our study shows that P. calcareum tetrasporangial thalli have the ability to grow both unattached and attached, and we argue this to be in relation to the environmental conditions found at different depths. This ability permits the alga to colonize different habitats of the coastal environment.

<p align="left">Taxonomy and distribution of non-geniculate coralline red algae (Corallinales, Rhodophyta) on rocky reefs from Ilha Grande Bay, Brazil

Non-geniculate coralline red algae are very common along the Brazilian coast occurring in a wide variety of ecosystems. Ecological surveys of Ilha Grande Bay have shown the importance of these algae in structuring benthic rocky reef environments and in their structural processes. The aim of this research was to identify the species of non-geniculate coralline red algae commonly present in the shallow rocky areas of Ilha Grande Bay, Brazil. Based on morphological and anatomical observations, three species of non-geniculate coralline algae are commonly present in the area: Lithophyllum corallinae, L. stictaeforme and Hydrolithon reinboldii. Here we provide descriptions of these species and provide a key to their identification. This study represents the first record of H. reinboldii from Brazil.

DNA barcoding allows the accurate assessment of European maerl diversity: a Proof-of-Concept study

Two non-geniculate coralline red algae (Lithothamnion corallioides and Phymatolithon calcareum) are partially protected under the assumption that they are the main components of maerl beds in Atlantic Europe. However, what we know about the composition of maerl relies mainly on morphology-based identifications that are notoriously difficult due to a lack of diagnostic features, convergence, and widespread phenotypic plasticity. Now, this state of affairs can be improved with new alternatives that, unlike morphology, allow the unambiguous partition of a large number of rhodoliths into species regardless of their size, shape, and condition (fertile or sterile). Here, we report the first DNA barcoding assessment of the relative abundance of maerl-forming algae. The plastidial gene psbA was sequenced for 1140 rhodoliths from 15 maerl beds scattered along 2000 km from the British Isles to South Portugal; rhodoliths were randomly collected along linear transects to obtain quantitative estimates of species composition. Most (97%) of our collections belonged to three, rather than two, species that often appeared intermixed along a single transect. Lithothamnion corallioides and P. calcareum dominated in the British Isles and Brittany (NW France), but they were gradually replaced by Phymatolithon sp3 in Galicia (NW Spain) and became extremely rare in Algarve (S Portugal). Morphology (rhodolith size and shape, branch diameter, habit) varied considerably between and within beds but the three species converged to a remarkably similar habit when living in sympatry. Still, P. calcareum and L. corallioides seemed to perform best in Brittany while Phymatolithon sp3 produced the largest rhodoliths with thickest branches in Algarve. Altogether, our study shows that the replacement of species of maerl seen in northern latitudes continues to the south along the coasts of Iberia. It also serves as a proof-of-concept of the benefits of DNA barcoding for ecological and biogeographic research of these taxonomically challenging taxa.

Community structure of rhodolith-forming beds on the central Brazilian continental shelf

The community structure of rhodoliths beds in the central Brazilian continental shelf was studied under the hypothesis that nongeniculate coralline algae are the major contributors of the individual rhodoliths. Samples were collected from five localities within a single area at 17–18 m depth. At each locality, rhodoliths were collected in 10 random quadrat samples along a 20-m transect. Our results show that dead cores of rhodoliths were significantly composed by nongeniculate coralline red algae rather than bryozoans, corals, or inorganic material. The live outer layers of the rhodoliths are composed mainly of 7 species of nongeniculate red coralline algae (Lithophyllum coralline, L. johansenii, L. depressum, L. stictaeformis, Neogoniolithon brassica-florida, Spongites fruticosus, and Lithothamnion muellerii) associated with other encrusting organisms such as bryozoans, sponges, corals, barnacles, and Peyssonnelia red algae. Significant differences were found in the proportion of Lithophyllum species in relation to other red coralline algae found in this study. Our results show that on the Brazilian continental shelf, the rhodolith-forming species are quite higher in size than in any other studied areas in the world. There was no difference in the proportion of live-to-dead rhodolith materials, suggesting an old bed deposit. Also, the amount of calcium carbonate material in the specimens is relevant to take in account in terms of the CO2 balance worldwide.

Abundance and species composition of non-geniculate coralline red algae epiphytic on the South African populations of the rocky shore seagrass Thalassodendron leptocaule M.C. Duarte, Bandeira & Romeiras

Seagrasses support a great diversity of epiphytic organisms and new research has shown that non-geniculate coralline red algae are important occupiers of space on the fronds of seagrasses. Except for a few scant records, there are no detailed published accounts of non-geniculate coralline algae epiphytic on seagrasses in South Africa. The seagrass Thalassodendron leptocaule (previously known as Thalassodendron ciliatum) is unique among southern African seagrasses in that it occurs on exposed rocky outcrops along the Mozambique and north eastern South African coast; most other seagrasses are restricted to sheltered bays and estuaries. Here we present descriptions of three species of non-geniculate coralline red algae which we have identified growing epiphytically on this seagrass in northern KwaZulu-Natal: Hydrolithon farinosum, Pneophyllum amplexifrons and Synarthrophyton patena. Two of the corallines (P. amplexifrons and S. patena) were restricted to the seagrass' stems while the third (H. farinosum) occurred only on the leaves. Of the three coralline epiphytes, P. amplexifrons contributed most to the biomass (average wet weight per plant 0.6±1.18g); its wet weight, however, varied between habitats. H. farinosum and other smaller turf algae amounted to no more than 0.1g (wet weight) per leaf. S. patena was far sparser and contributed less than 0.1g (wet weight) per stem. P. amplexifrons and H. farinosum appear to be pioneer epiphytes and form additional surfaces onto which other seaweed epiphytes attach and grow. Distribution of these epiphytes is explained by the longevity of the stems and leaves of the seagrass.

Lithothamnion steneckii sp. nov. and Pneophyllum conicum: new coralline red algae (Corallinales, Rhodophyta) for coral reefs of Brazil

Nongeniculate coralline red algae are a common element of the Brazilian coastal zone, especially associated to coral reefs. During the course of ecological studies at Parque Municipal Marinho do Recife de Fora, two species of non-geniculate Corallinales were the major organisms covering the reef. Analyses of the vegetative and reproductive features of the species were analyzed; indicating that one new species of the genus Lithothamnion is proposed here based on the combination of several features associated with anatomy of the tetrasporangial conceptacles in relation to other species of the genus for which modern accounts are available. This new proposal along with other new species, new combinations and range extension of some species of the genus based in similar features clearly suggest that stability in species delimitation is possible. The second species found Pneophyllum conicum represents a range extension of more than 6,000 km from the Pacific in to the Atlantic Ocean suggesting that some nongeniculate species are widely distributed. The occurrence and abundance of these species supports and emphasizes the need for an extensive taxonomic reassessment of coralline red algae in the context of Brazilian coral reef biodiversity.

Middle Miocene warm-temperate carbonates of Central Paratethys (Mt. Zrinska Gora, Croatia): paleoenvironmental reconstruction based on bryozoans, coralline red algae, foraminifera, and calcareous nannoplankton

Carbonate deposits from Zrin in the Mt. Zrinska Gora were deposited in the SW part of the Central Paratethys Sea during the Middle Badenian (Middle Miocene). The studied section contains a rich fossil community of non-geniculate coralline red algae (Subfamily Melobesioideae), bryozoans, benthic and planktonic foraminifera, echinoderms, ostracods, molluscs, and calcareous nannoplankton. Based on lithological variations and changes in the biogenic components, four facies associations (FA) are distinguished. Their distribution points to skeletal production and sedimentation on a middle to proximal outer carbonate ramp. The main lithological feature of the section is an alternation of two lithofacies: fully lithified grainstone–rudstone and packstone, and semi-lithified rudstone–floatstone with a carbonate sandy matrix. Depositional environments on the ramp were periodically influenced by minor high-frequency sea-level changes and/or changes of hydrodynamic conditions, which are suggested as the driving mechanisms causing the alternation of the two lithofacies. Vertically in the succession, the two lithofacies alternate to give three thinning- and fining-upward units. The lower part of each unit is formed of a rhodolith and coralline algal FA, which passes upwards into a bryozoan-coralline algal FA and/or FA of bioclastic packstone-grainstone. Based on the vertical upward change in FAs, each unit can be interpreted as a deepening-upward sequence. Patterns in the relative abundance of bryozoan colony growth form (vinculariiform, cellariiform, adeoniform, membraniporiform, celleporiform, and reteporiform), size and abundance of rhodoliths and coralline branches, and benthic foraminifera are interpreted by comparison with data from modern and fossil environments. Based on these data, a water depth range for each FA is interpreted, providing evidence of low-frequency relative sea-level changes. It is hypothesized that relative sea-level fluctuated in the water depth range from 30 to 80 m, and in the uppermost part of the section, rich in planktonic foraminifera and calcareous nannoplankton, possibly deeper. Causes of the low-frequency relative sea-level fluctuations and the general deepening trend observed within the succession cannot be interpreted based on one section; however, they may be related to the subsidence of the depositional basin. The benthic biotic communities are a vertical alternation of rhodalgal and bryorhodalgal associations, and this is attributed to relative sea-level fluctuations. These biotic associations gave rise to warm-temperate carbonates of the Middle Badenian N9 planktonic Zone (Orbulina suturalis, O. universa) and NN4–NN5 nannoplankton Zones (Sphenolithus heteromorphus).

Rudist-bearing rhodalgal facies in the post-Turonian recovery of peri-Tethyan carbonate systems: a case history from the Nurra region (northwestern Sardinia, Italy)

ABSTRACT The presence of non-geniculate coralline red algae and bryozoans (rhodalgal lithofacies) in association with rudists has been mentioned only rarely in the literature. Nevertheless, because of the significance of rhodalgal facies in the characterization of shallow-water carbonate factories, a correct interpretation of the related ecological factors may improve the palaeo-environmental reconstruction of some rudist-bearing carbonate depositional systems. Uppermost Coniacian-Santonian rhodolith-rich rudist-bearing carbonate successions in the Nurra region (northwestern Sardinia, Italy) record several discrete depositional settings, from autochthonous shallow-water mobile skeletal deposits including coralline algal fragments and rhodoliths, to re-mobilized deposits rich in skeletal components with rhodoliths. The rudist-bearing rhodalgal limestone studied is part of an uppermost Turonian-Campanian transgressive sequence that covers a tectonically-modelled Lower Cretaceous substrate. The recovery of t...

Recognition of algal rich facies from the Umlatdoh Limestone of Shella Formation, Jaintia Group, Meghalaya

The carbonate rocks of the Shella Formation (Middle Eocene) belonging to the Jaintia Group in the Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya are represented by two sandstone units in alternation with three limestone units, viz. Lakadong Limestone, Umlatdoh Limestone and Prang Limestone respectively in chronological order. Umlatdoh Limestone, the middle limestone unit of Shella Formation is conformably underlain by the Lakadong Sandstone and overlain by Narpuh Sandstone. Samples from the Umlatdoh Limestone were collected from the outcrop on the Jowai-Badarpur Road, about 1 km southwest of Lumshnong. Calcareous algae have been recovered from four samples and two distinct facies have been recognized. One of the facies is dominated by non-geniculate coralline red algae and benthic foraminifera. The non-geniculate corallines are represented by Lithothamnion and Mesophyllum (Family Hapalidiaceae), Lithoporella (Family Corallinaceae) and Sporolithon (Family Sporolithaceae). The other facies is rich in calcareous green algae along with benthic foraminifera. The green algal genera belong to families Dasycladaceae, Udoteaceae and Halimedaceae. Previously, a green algal assemblage was recorded from the Umlatdoh Limestone Member of Shella Formation exposed in the low lying hills between Sutnga and Litang valleys of Jaintia Hills. However, this is the first report on the occurrence of non-geniculate coralline red algae from the Umlatdoh Limestone Member of the Shella Formation. Based on the algal-foraminiferal assemblages, interpretation has been made on the palaeoenvironment and palaeobathymetry.

Typification and reassessment of seventeen species of coralline red algae (Corallinales and Sporolithales, Rhodophyta) described by W. Ishijima during 1954–1978

Type specimens of 17 species of non-geniculate coralline red algae belonging to the Corallinales and Sporolithales (Corallinophycidae, Rhodophyta) and established between 1954 and 1978 by Wataru Ishijima have been re-examined, focusing on characters relevant to modern coralline taxonomy. The species are from the Early Cretaceous, Eocene, Oligocene, Miocene and Pleistocene rocks of southern and central Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Indian Ocean, Philippines, Pakistan and the Galapagos Archipelago, and were attributed by Ishijima to Lithothamnion (as Lithothamnium), Mesophyllum, Lithophyllum and Archaeolithothamnion (as Archaeolithothamnium). With two exceptions, all species are reassigned to different genera or are of uncertain generic placement within particular subfamilies, families or orders. The type specimen of Lithophyllum oboraensis is retained in Lithophyllum and the type specimen of Mesophyllum izuensis is retained in Mesophyllum. The type specimens of Lithophyllum izuensis (Ishijima) comb nov. (= Lithothamnion izuensis), Phymatolithon tokumanensis (Ishijima) comb. nov. (= Mesophyllum tokumanensis), Sporolithon borneoensis (Ishijima) comb. nov. (= Archaeolithothamnium borneoense) and Sporolithon galapagosensis (Ishijima) comb. nov. (= Archaeolithothamnion galapagosensis) possess features justifying their assignment to various genera within a particular family and subfamily. A specimen ascribed by Ishijima to Archaeolithothamnion galapagosensis (as Archaeolithothamnium) in the protologue of that species is a misidentified specimen of Sporolithon ptychoides Heydrich. The type specimens of Lithophyllum minoensis and Mesophyllum indicum belong to the Corallinaceae, subfamily Mastophoroideae but are of uncertain generic placement. The type specimens of Lithothamnion makinogoensis, L. nodai, L. tenuicrustatum, Mesophyllum niinoi and M. yuyashimaensis belong to the Hapalidiaceae (Melobesioideae) but are of uncertain generic placement. The type specimens of Lithophyllum hashimotoi, Lithophyllum minae, Lithothamnion huseinii and Lithothamnion tokiensis lacked sufficient data to allow for order, family, subfamily or genus placement within the Corallinophycidae. Lectotype specimens have been designated as necessary, and relevant historical, repository, geological, morphological and other data are presented.

New records of rhodolith-forming species (Corallinales, Rhodophyta) from deep water in Espírito Santo State, Brazil

Little is known about the diversity of non-geniculate coralline red algae (Rhodophyta, Corallinophycidae) from deep waters in Brazil. Most surveys undertaken in this country have been carried out in shallow waters. In 1994, however, the REVIZEE program surveyed the sustainable living resources potential of the Brazilian exclusive economic zone to depths of 500 m. In the present study, the rhodolith-forming coralline algae from the continental shelf of Espirito Santo State were identified. Samples were taken from 54 to 60 m depth by dredging during ship cruises in 1997. Three rhodolith-forming species were found: Spongites yendoi (Foslie) Chamberlain, Lithothamnion muelleri Lenormand ex Rosanoff and Lithothamnion glaciale Kjellman. These records extend the distribution ranges of these species into Brazilian waters and extend the depth distribution of non-geniculate coralline red algae into Brazilian water to 58 m.

Lower Oligocene non-geniculate coralline red algal (Corallinales, Rhodophyta) assemblage from Poljšica pri Podnartu (Upper Carniola, Slovenia)

The Lower Oligocene Gornji Grad beds from Poljšica pri Podnartu consist of marly limestone, mudstone, several layers of limestones and two layers of sandstones, and were deposited on a mixed carbonate-siliciclastic ramp. Especially the limestones contain rich fossil fauna and non-geniculate coralline red algae. These were systematically collected from four horizons and researched in thin sections under an optical microscope. Genera Lithoporella, Neogoniolithon, Spongites, Lithothamnion, Mesophyllum and Spongites were recognized. Surface area for each genus was calculated and the differences in the coralline assemblages in the four horizons were analysed. The corallines originate from two source areas: sandy-muddy bottom of a shallow marine environment, and small coral bioherms with its encrusters.