Species Of Benthic Marine Algae Research Articles

An analysis of “Hydrophytologiae Regni Neapolitani” (Delle Chiaje, 1829)

In the volume “Hydrophytologiae Regni Neapolitani”, published by Delle Chiaje in 1829, 100 species of benthic marine algae of the Gulf of Neaples (Mediterranean Sea, Italy) are described and illustrated with colored images. In this study the marine algae depicted in the 100 plates are analyzed with the goal of identifying them in terms of present-day taxonomy and nomenclature. Of each plate, observations and comments dealing also with taxonomic opinions published by earlier authors on Delle Chiaje’s plates, are also given.

Some rarely reported deep-water macroalgal species from Bonaire, Caribbean Sea, including Verdigellas discoidea sp. nov. (Palmophyllaceae, Chlorophyta) based on submersible collections

Abstract Two rarely reported and one newly described species of benthic marine algae are herein recognized from deep-water habitats at Bonaire, representing the first Caribbean reports of each. Archestenogramma profundum is previously known only from its type collection in Bermuda at 17 m depth and the rarely reported Halymenia integra is known originally from its type locality at Cabo Frio, Brazil. Verdigellas discoidea is newly described on the basis of morphological and molecular evidence. It forms flat circular thalli to 6.5 cm in diameter, measuring to 390 μm thick. The disc-like algae are attached by several small holdfasts on the ventral surface, but the margins are mostly free from their substrata.

Notes on the benthic marine algae of Puerto Rico. XII: additions to the flora

Abstract Five species of benthic marine algae (Phaeophyceae: Lobophora littlerorum; Rhodophyta: Meristotheca cylindrica, Naccaria corymbosa, Xiphosiphonia pinnulata and Dipterosiphonia reversa) represent new distribution records from the coastal waters surrounding Puerto Rico in the northern Caribbean Sea. The latter two species are now reported for the first time from the western Atlantic Caribbean.

New records of benthic marine macroalgae from the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica

Abstract: Marine macroalgae are highly diverse and play an important role in marine ecosystems, influencing ecological processes. Recording the algae diversity with precise taxonomic identification is required to understand the marine ecosystems. The biodiversity of macroalgae along the southern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica has been studied by several authors, and the updated checklist includes 396 species of benthic marine algae reported for both Pacific and Caribbean coasts of Costa Rica, from which 287 are recorded from the Caribbean. Eighty percent of the total specimens from the Caribbean coast deposited in botanical collections in Costa Rica were collected at Cahuita National Park, an area where most of the studies have been carried out. This study reports on the addition of five new species and one genus of marine benthic macroalgae to the Caribbean Costa Rican flora, found at the poorly studied reefs of Playa Chiquita (Punta Cocles) and Punta Uva. Sampling was directed, searching for benthic macroalgae at Chiquita beach (SCUBA diving and snorkel) and Punta Uva (snorkel only), during October 2014. Specimens were deposited in the Dr. Luis A. Fournier Origgi Herbarium of the University of Costa Rica (USJ). Most of the new records were Chlorophyta, followed by Rhodophyta and Ochrophyta-Phaeophyceae. We recorded four new genera for the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica: Microdictyon Decaisne, 1841, Rhipidosiphon Montagne, 1842, Predaea G. De Toni, 1936, and Augophyllum S.-M. Lin, S. Fredericq & M. H. Hommersand, 2003. In conclusion, is necessary to continue the detailed taxonomic works in the Caribbean coast, focusing on areas poorly studied, in order to improve our knowledge of the marine flora of Costa Rica. Rev. Biol. Trop. 66(Suppl. 1): S328-S339. Epub 2018 April 01.

Diversity and spatial distribution of seaweeds in the South Shetland Islands, Antarctica: an updated database for environmental monitoring under climate change scenarios

The present study characterizes the spatial distribution of seaweed diversity on eight islands from the South Shetlands based on an updated taxonomic survey, discussing the higher number of species compared with previous studies and the possible relationships with environmental parameters. Seaweeds were sampled in Deception, Livingston, Halfmoon, Robert, Nelson, King George, Penguin, and Elephant Islands during the austral summer between 2010 and 2013 in intertidal and shallow subtidal zones. The taxonomic analyses evaluated morphological characteristics, reproductive structures, and molecular features. Physicochemical parameters of seawater were also monitored using standard analytical methods. A total of 104 species of benthic marine algae were identified (28 Phaeophyceae, 24 Chlorophyta, and 52 Rhodophyta), ~82% of all seaweeds taxa described to Antarctica, including six new records previously recorded only at lower latitudes, four confirmed taxa, and two putative new species. Spatial variation in species diversity was observed among the collecting sites, and Livingston and King George Islands showed the highest diversity among the islands. Deception, an area with geothermal activity and intense tourism, was dominated by opportunistic and broadly distributed filamentous green algae. Antarctic macroalgae diversity was higher than in previous studies, most likely due to more efficient techniques of sampling, and combined taxonomical methods. However, changes in the biogeographical distribution or introduction of some taxa, resulting from anthropogenic activities and/or climate changes, should be considered. Therefore, the higher number of taxa and the new records reported in this study suggest the need for long-term monitoring in the area for conservation purposes.

Records of Rhodophyta new to the flora of the Iberian Atlantic coast

Abstract In this study, 10 new records of subtidal Rhodophyta are given for the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula. Most of these species of benthic marine algae are characteristic of temperate regions. Two were known previously only for the Mediterranean Sea (Gelidium bipectinatum and Gloiocladia microspora), and their distribution into the Atlantic Ocean has been enlarged in this study. The northern distribution limits in the Atlantic Ocean of six other species (Nemastoma dichotomum, Predaea ollivieri, Predaea pusilla, Platoma cyclocolpa, Sebdenia dichotoma, and Sebdenia rodrigueziana) and the southern distribution limit of another species (Schmitzia neapolitana) have been expanded. Description, habitats, and distributions of the species are also given.

New records of benthic marine algae and Cyanobacteria for Costa Rica, and a comparison with other Central American countries

We present the results of an intensive sampling program carried out from 2000 to 2007 along both coasts of Costa Rica, Central America. The presence of 44 species of benthic marine algae is reported for the first time for Costa Rica. Most of the new records are Rhodophyta (27 spp.), followed by Chlorophyta (15 spp.), and Heterokontophyta, Phaeophycea (2 spp.). Overall, the currently known marine flora of Costa Rica is comprised of 446 benthic marine algae and 24 Cyanobacteria. This species number is an under estimation, and will increase when species of benthic marine algae from taxonomic groups where only limited information is available (e.g., microfilamentous benthic marine algae, Cyanobacteria) are included. The Caribbean coast harbors considerably more benthic marine algae (318 spp.) than the Pacific coast (190 spp.); such a trend has been observed in all neighboring countries. Compared to other Central American countries, Costa Rica has the highest number of reported benthic marine algae; however, Panama may have a similarly high diversity after unpublished results from a Rhodophyta survey (Wysor, unpublished) are included. Sixty-two species have been found along both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts of Costa Rica; we discuss this result in relation to the emergence of the Central American Isthmus.

The marine algal (seaweed) flora of the Azores: additions and amendments 3

Abstract Thirteen species of benthic marine algae are reported as new to the mid Atlantic Azores archipelago, and the status is confirmed for five other species. Some of the new records fall within their overall distributional range. The discovery of seven species (Codium taylorii, Digenea simplex, Gelidiella tinerfensis, Gelidiopsis intricata, Laurencia microcladia, Papenfussiella kuromo, Phyllophora gelidioides) represents a northern extension in their Atlantic distributional range. The archipelago is the western limit of Papenfussiella kuromo and Phyllophora gelidioides in the Atlantic Ocean. Ascophyllum nodosum, common as drift, was found for the first time attached to rocks on Graciosa Island and Caulerpa webbiana is confirmed as a recent immigrant to the archipelago. Four species are removed from the flora.

The marine algal (seaweed) flora of the Azores: additions and amendments

Thirteen species of benthic marine algae are reported new for the isolated mid-Atlantic Azores archipelago and five older records are confirmed. Seven (Bangia atropurpurea, Codium fragile spp. tomentosoides, Ectocarpus fasciculatus, E. siliculosus, Porphyrostromium ciliare, Ulothrix flacca and Ulvaria oxysperma) are widespread amphi-Atlantic species some of which extend in distributional range south to the Canary Islands. Cryptonemia seminervis, Ctenosiphonia hypnoides and Phyllophora sicula are known from the northeastern Atlantic Ocean only and also occur in the Canary Islands. The Azores archipelago is the western limit of distribution of Codium fragile ssp. atlanticum, Bostrychia scorpioides, Bryopsis cupressina, Erythroglossum laciniatum, Haliptilon squamatum and Phyllophora sicula, and the southern limit of C. fragile ssp. atlanticum and E. laciniatum. The tropical species Phyllodictyon anastomosans, Valonia macrophysa and Wurdemannia miniata reach their northern limit of distribution there. Asparagopsis taxiformis is now less common possibly due to competition with the non-native A. armata; subspecies of the non-native C. fragile now occur widely in the Azores. The status of Fucus vesiculosus, Ulva (Enteromorpha) clathrata and Rhizoclonium tortuosum is clarified and other species have been removed from the flora. The continuing addition of new species records for the Azores shows the archipelago to be floristically richer than other Atlantic islands except for the Canary Islands.

Notes on the benthic marine algae of Puerto Rico VIII. Additions to the flora

Five species of benthic marine algae (Phaeophyceae: Lobophora littlerorum; Rhodophyta: Meristotheca cylindrica, Naccaria corymbosa, Xiphosiphonia pinnulata and Dipterosiphonia reversa) represent new distribution records from the coastal waters surrounding Puerto Rico in the northern Caribbean Sea. The latter two species are now reported for the first time from the western Atlantic Caribbean.

Annotated catalogue of the benthic marine algae of the Palolo Deep National Marine Reserve of Samoa

A total of 124 species of benthic marine algae is reported from the Palolo Deep National Marine Reserve on the island of Upolu (Western) Samoa (13°49′S, 171°45′W). Included in the catalogue are 88 Rhodophyceae, 12 Phaeophyceae and 24 Chlorophyceae. This represents the first survey of benthic marine algae for any site in the Samoan Archipelago in the last 76 years. A total of 90 species newly recorded for the region brings the total reported species to 288 (includes Cyanophyceae not reported here). This is about 68% of the current flora from, for example, nearby Fiji. Of the 11 sites investigated, the eastern algal rim of the main Deep (0–10-m depth) is the most diverse, with 68 species. The subtidal (up to 25 m deep) is also diverse with 57 species recorded. The least diverse of all the sites is the Borrow Pit with only six species.

Additions to the Marine Algal (Seaweed) Flora of the Azores

Ten species of benthic marine algae, new distribution records for the Azores achipelago, are itemised; two other species records (Heterosiphonia crispella and Laminaria ochroleuca) are confirmed for the islands. Six species (Bryopsis pennata, Cottoniella filamentosa, Dasya baillouviana, Feldmannia paradoxa, Heterosiphonia crispella and Lomentaria clavellosa) show an amphi-Atlantic distribution pattern; four (Bonnemaisonia asparagoides, Laminaria ochroleuca, Pterosphonia ardreana and Stylonema cornu-cervi) show a European-African-Mediterranean distribution pattern. The occurrence of Dudresnaya crassa, a western Atlantic warm-water species, represents an extension of its known distributional range to the east. An Ahnfeltiopsis was found which resembled A. intermedia, a species that occurs in the Atlantic Ocean to the south of the Azores.

Algas marinas bentónicas de Mazatlán, Sinaloa, México

Se llevaron a cabo 4 muestreos de algas marinas bentónicas en 3 localidades de las costas de Mazatlán, Sinaloa, mediante los cuales se determinó la presencia de 124 especies de algas marinas. Se identificaron 7 especies de Cyanophyceae, 72 de Rho­dophyceae, 12 de Phaeophyceae, 7 de Baci-llariophyceae y 26 de Chlorophyceae. Cada especie se acompaña de datos sobre su distribución en el área de estudio, el estado reproductivo, el nivel de marea, el modo, las facies y el epifitismo. Se comparó la diversidad de las especies entre la estación climática de lluvias y la de secas, durante 1971, 1983, 1987 y 1988. Rhodophyceae dominó en términos de diversidad en relación con las 4 clases restantes. La ficoflora de Mazatlán es tropical y es más diversa en la estación de lluvias.

Floristic study of the benthic algae of Bahia Asuncion, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Five samplings of benthic marine algae were carried out at Isla Asunción and Bahía Asunción, B.C.S., during 1988 and 1989. In total, 113 species of benthic marine algae were found. Three species of Cyanophyta, 78 species of Rhodophyta, 19 species of Phaeophyta and 13 species of Chlorophyta were determined. The floristic list includes data on the reproductive stage, tidal level, type of coast, substrate and epiphytism of the species found. Macrocystis pyrifera, Eisenia arborea and Corallina oficinalis var. chilensis are the principal components of the benthic vegetation of Asunción Island. The species composition found in Bahía Asunción is representative of the flora associated with Macrocytis pyrifera beds from the southern area of Baja California. The Rhodophyta are dominant in terms of diversity.

A checklist of benthic marine algae of the tropical and subtropical western Atlantic

A checklist of 1058 species of benthic marine algae has been compiled for the tropical and subtropical western Atlantic, covering the region from North Carolina (U.S.A.) through southern Brazil. This list comprises 655 species of Rhodophyceae, 150 of Phaeophyceae, and 253 of Chlorophyceae. Literature references subsequent to 1960 are included in the bibliography, and notes in regard to some of the species are given, where appropriate.

The preservation of salt marsh algae by controlled liquid nitrogen freezing

Five species of benthic marine algae were preserved by controlled liquid nitrogen freezing and storage over periods extending to 1 year. Only a small percent of the algae survived without cryoprotectant. Nannochloris adamsii was an exception; 67% survived after 12 months of storage. Nitzschia acicularis was the best preserved with 5 glycerol as a cryoprotectant, Dimethylsulfoxide was a better cryoprotectant for N. adamsii and Dunaliella quartolecta. Reducing normal brackish salinity (28‰) of the culture medium to one half (14‰) increased the survival percentages for N. acicularis, Cylindrotheca closterium and Phaeodactylum tricornutum. The morphology and physiology of the species tested were unchanged by long storage time in liquid nitrogen.

The Latitudinal Spans of Seaweed Species and Their Patterns of Overlap

Geographic ranges of groups of related species may overlap one another to a greater or lesser extent. This paper explores the overlap among the ranges ('latitudinal spans') of shoreline species along a north-south trending coast. A method of measuring the overlap of a group of s such species is devised and the theoretically expected overlaps, under two contrasted null hypotheses, are derived. According to one hypothesis (Hi) the range limits of congeneric species are independently located; according to the other (H2) the ranges themselves, assumed to have their observed lengths, are independently located. The latitudinal spans of 684 species of benthic marine algae, on the western shores of the Atlantic, are then tested for conformity with the hypotheses. Compared with Hi, species overlaps exceed expectation very significantly, but the data give no reason to reject H2. It is concluded that the seaweeds' geographic ranges are unaffected by interspecific competition; and (speculatively) that the zonation patterns of seaweeds on the shore are likely to be less developed in regions where, due to recent disappearance of barriers to dispersal, hitherto isolated seaweed communities are mingling. The variation with latitude of the numbers of seaweed species, and the observed frequency distributions of their latitudinal spans, are also described.

Alkanes and alkenes in marine benthic algae

Saturated and olefinic hydrocarbons were determined in additional species of benthic marine algae from the Cape Cod (Massachusetts, USA) area (see: Youngblood et al., 1971). The distribution of homologous and isomeric olefins was studied in plants of different age and in morphologically different parts of the same specimen. With two minor exceptions, only normal alkanes and alkenes are present. The methylene-interrupted C19- and C21-polyolefins are particularly abundant; Δ1-heneicosahexaene and the corresponding pentaene are common to all brown algae, while the corresponding Δ3-isomers occur in green algae. The hydrocarbon concentration, the alkene-to-alkane ratio and the polyolefin content are highest in young plants or in rapidly growing tissues of older plants. This suggests a deeper involvement in cell biochemistry of straight-chain hydrocarbons than previously considered. The biosynthesis of the plant polyolefins remains to be explored; no immediately obvious precursors of the Δ1-polyolefins were found among the algal fatty acids. The hydrocarbon composition of these benthic algae differs greatly from that of fossil fuels in its simplicity and predominately unsaturated nature. The separation of the isomers by gas chromatography and their structural elucidation by mass spectrometry, alone and in combination with hydrogenation and ozonolysis, are discussed.