Spyridia Filamentosa Research Articles

Species composition and seasonal changes in macroalgal blooms in lagoons along the southeastern Gulf of California

Abstract Species composition and seasonal changes in macroalgal blooms in six coastal lagoons highly impacted by human activities were tracked for the three seasons between May 2004 and April 2005. Though temperatures were lower during the cold season than during the dry and rainy seasons and some locations showed variations in salinity during the rainy season, nutrient concentrations showed no defined pattern and varied according to season and location. A total of 10 seaweed species and the cyanobacterium Microcoleus lyngbyaceus had biomasses >1 g m-2 dry weight, but only four species represented >1% of the annual biomass. During the dry season, Spyridia filamentosa had the highest biomass (57.5 g m-2). During the rainy season, Gracilaria vermiculophylla was the most conspicuous and abundant species (64.0–291.0 g m-2) and during the cold season, Caulerpa sertularioides had the highest biomass (180.1 g m-2). Abundances of these species were higher than previously reported for this region. Correlation analyses showed a positive correlation between total phosphorus and the biomass of G. vermiculophylla, suggesting that this nutrient might be limiting its growth. C. sertularioides abundance had a positive correlation with N:P ratios, suggesting that high concentrations of nitrogen relative to low phosphorus levels favor its growth. These analyses revealed that nutrient concentrations are most likely to affect macroalgal growth, but temperature and salinity also play a role. This information may be useful for monitoring future blooms and determining changes over time.

AN HISTORICAL COMPARISON OF SEAWEED POPULATIONS FROM CASCO BAY, MAINE

Abstract Based on recent and historical collections dating back to the early 1900s, the seaweed flora in Casco Bay, Maine consists of 206 taxa: 55 Chlorophyta, 70 Phaeophyta, and 81 Rhodophyta. In 1911, Frank Shipley Collins recorded 173 taxa from Casco Bay, while 164 taxa were found during recent sampling since 1994. A comparison of the two time periods shows a 77.7% similarity; some plants have apparently disappeared (or are very rare) and others are newly recorded. Eight newly collected seaweeds represent species that are most common in estuarine and shallow embayments and have southern warm-water affinities (e.g., Hummia onusta, Striaria attenuata, Callithamnion corymbosum, Ceramium cimbricum, Chondria baileyana, Polysiphonia denudata, P. elongata, and Spyridia filamentosa); six others represent introduced taxa, including Codium fragile subsp. tomentosoides, Ulonema rhizophorum, Bonnemaisonia hamifera and its “Trailliella intricata” stage, plus Dumontia contorta, Lomentaria clavellosa, and Porphyra ye...

Biochemical composition of some red and brown macro algae from the Northeastern Mediterranean Sea

Proximate analysis and the fatty acid profile of brown algae (Stypopodium schimperii) and red algae (Spyridia filamentosa, Acanthophora nayadiformis and Halymenia floresii) were investigated. The highest protein content was obtained from H. floresii (3.05% on a dry weight basis) whereas the lowest protein content was obtained from S. schimperii (1.12% dry weight). The lipid content of macro algae ranged from 1.10% for S. filamentosa to 11.53% dry weight for S. schimperii. The ash content of all algae species were found to be high (17.98–27.15%) on a dry weight basis. The fatty acid compositions of macro algae species were in the range 29.92–68.93% saturated, 17.88–39.23% monounsaturated and 6.0–17.57% polyunsaturated acids. Among them, those occurring in the highest proportions were palmitic acid (C16:0, 28.36–64.67%), myristoleic acid (C14:1, 5.54–6.7%), palmitoleic acid (C16:1, 3.33–19.51%), oleic acid (C18:1n9 cis, 6.62–13.92%), linoleic acid (C18:2n6, 1.03–4.65%), arachidonic acid (C20:4n6, 1.2–6.9%), and cis-5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5n3, 1.07–9.89%). According to results obtained from this study, these macro algae species can be regarded as a potential source for food or the neutraceutical industry.

Calcium oxalate crystals in the marine red alga Spyridia filamentosa (Ceramiales; Rhodophyta)

C.M. Pueschel and J.A. West. 2007. Calcium oxalate crystals in the marine red alga Spyridia filamentosa (Ceramiales; Rhodophyta). Phycologia 46: 565–571. DOI: 10.2216/06-101.1Birefringent polyhedral crystals up to 8 µm on a side were found both within cells and on the thallus surfaces of several genetically distinct isolates of the red alga Spyridia filamentosa (Wulfen) Harvey. Diagnostic chemical solubility tests and silver nitrate–dithiooxamide staining identified the crystals as calcium oxalate. Calcium oxalate crystals were observed in all cell types of the vegetative erect axes: axial cells of indeterminate filaments, corticating cells of the main axes, and axial and corticating cells of the determinate lateral filaments (brachyblasts). Thalli cultured in natural seawater medium had few crystals close to the growing apices, whereas older portions of the thalli developed a surface coating of fine crystals and scattered larger extracellular and intracellular crystals. Thalli cultured in natural seawater medium whose calcium concentration was supplemented with 20 mM calcium chloride had an abundance of intracellular and extracellular calcium oxalate crystals. Thalli grown in artificial seawater medium having low calcium concentrations (1.0 and 2.5 mM calcium chloride) deposited few calcium oxalate crystals, but when these thalli were transferred to calcium-rich medium and stressed, crystals formed rapidly. The nonconstitutive nature of calcium oxalate deposition in Spyridia may explain conflicting previous accounts regarding presence of calcium oxalate crystals in this genus.

Recognition of Spyridia griffithsiana comb. nov. (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta): a taxon previously misidentified as Spyridia filamentosa from Europe

Spyridia filamentosa is a commonly encountered species, especially in tropical and warm temperate locations. Molecular data, based on three genetic regions, plus morphological investigation of samples from the northeastern Atlantic reveal that samples identified as S. filamentosa from this area are distinct. Genetically these samples are more closely related to S. clavata than other S. filamentosa samples. Morphologically, the northeastern Atlantic Ocean samples are distinguishable by two (or occasionally one) small axial cells that lack cortication near the base of the determinate branches. Investigation of type material reveals that these samples should be recognized as Spyridia griffithsiana (J.E. Smith) Zuccarello, Prud'homme van Reine et Stegenga comb. nov. and that specimens of this new combination are found throughout the northeastern Atlantic Ocean and into the western Mediterranean Sea. Phylogeographic relationships within S. filamentosa show a complex distribution pattern. Samples from the same location can be in different evolutionary lineages (Cape Verde and Canary Islands). While some lineages seem to be confined to particular ocean basins, other lineages have a much wider distribution.

Spatial and seasonal variation of macroalgal biomass in Laguna Ojo de Liebre, Baja California Sur, México

Laguna Ojo de Liebre is part of El Vizcaino Biosphere's Reserve, one of the largest protected natural areas in the world. The contribution of seaweeds to the lagoons' total biomass had not been previously quantified. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the spatial and temporal variations of seaweed biomass in the lagoon. Seaweed samples were taken every season during 1995 at six sampling stations distributed throughout the lagoon. Total specific biomass of seaweeds was at its peak in the summer, and minimum in spring. The highest total annual biomass was found at Isla Brosa in the lagoon's central portion, and the lowest in El Datil at the head. The seasonal and spatial variation of biomass in the lagoon is related with species richness and environmental parameters. Potentially important species in terms of biomass, wide spatial and temporal distribution, and potential use were: Spyridia filamentosa, Entheromorpha clathrata, Dasya baillouviana, Hypnea valentiaeand Sargassum sinicola .Using PCA three groups of stations were defined: one chiefly at the lagoon's mouth, another comprised the islands in the central portion, and the last in the lagoon's head. Palabras clave: Tendencias espaciales, Laguna Ojo de Liebre, Nyctiphanes simplex, Seaweed, spatial, seasonal

Marine algae from the Gulf of Santa Clara, Sonora, México

Four sites in the Gulf of Santa Clara, northwestern coast of Sonora, Mexico, were sampled seasonally during 1995–1996. A total of 43 species of marine algae were determined, which are recorded for the first time for the area of study. The families with best representation are: Gracilariaceae and Cladophoraceae, each with 5 species; and Corallinaceae, Rhodomelaceae, and Ulvaceae, each with 3. The highest diversity was found in autumn, the lowest in summer. The sites with the low diversity were Piedras del Burro with 7 species and El Tornillal with 18. These places are broad beaches, composed of sand and with few pebbles. The higher diversity was found at Punta Gorda with 34 species and Piedras de La Salina with 26. These localities are characterized by relatively stable rocky substrates, with some intertidal pools. The most common species regardless to distribution and occurrence over time were: Spyridia filamentosa, Dictyota flabellata, Struveopsis robusta, Cladophora microcladioides and Enteromorpha linza. Rosenvingea antillarum and Cladophora vagabunda represent new records for the Gulf of California. Nine epiphytic species were identified, which were frequently observed on Gelidium crinale, Spyridia filamentosa and Dictyota flabellata.

FIELD STUDY OF ALGAL RECRUITMENT BY CLEARING EXPERIMENT IN PING CHAU, HONG KONG SAR, CHINA

Recruitment, the entry of new individuals into a population, was investigated by a clearing experiment along the shore of A Ma Wan (AMW) in Ping Chau, Hong Kong SAR, China. Two types of clearing, with all the existing vegetation removed (cleared) and with the top 2 to three mm of the rock surface removed (hammered), were carried out monthly in AMW from November 1997 to June 1999. Observations were made one month after clearing and on a monthly basis thereafter. The number of algal species present on the cleared areas and their percentage cover were recorded. The experimental results showed that more algal species were recruited during March and April in 1998 (n=10) but in 1999, the number of species was found higher in February and March (n=8). Species richness dropped after May (more obvious in 1998), indicating that recruitment greatly declined in summer. A tuft complex composed of several filamentous algal species dominated over the others in all clearing areas (coverage mostly over 90%) but recruits of Caulerpa peltata, Colpomenia sinuosa, Enteromorpha sp., Hypnea charoides, Padina spp., Sargassum sp., Spyridia filamentosa, Ulva sp., etc. also were observed during the study period. Generally, there were no significant differences in terms of species richness and composition of the recruits between the two treatments (cleared vs. hammered) as well as with the controls. This implied that algae in AMW were more likely to be recruited de novo from elsewhere rather than regenerated from remnants of the previous year's growth.

Multiple Antimicrobial Activities of the Marine Alga Spyridia filamentosa (Ceramiaceae, Rhodophyta)

Forty eight HPLC peaks from three distinct TLC zones obtained from crude lipid extracts of the tropical marine red alga Spyridia filamentosa were assayed against five pathogenic microorganisms. Of these, nineteen showed detectable activities (seven HPLC peaks from TLC zone 5; five peaks from TLC zone 9; seven peaks from TLC zone 12). Activities by single HPLC peaks were generally against one or two assay microorganisms. The total number of biologically active compounds in a given alga is shown to be substantially greater than can be ascertained by assaying whole-algal extracts.

Algal flora associated with a Halophila stipulacea (Forsskål) Ascherson (Hydrocharitaceae, Helobiae) stand in the western Mediterranean

Halophila stipulacea, a seagrass introduced into the Mediterranean Sea as a Lessepsian immigrant, is nowadays common in the eastern Mediterranean, and it was recently recorded in the western Mediterranean; very little information is available about the algal flora associated with this species. During a survey of a Halophila stipulacea stand at Vulcano Island (Eolian Islands, western Mediterranean), samples were collected at three depths (5 m, 15 m and 25 m) for identification of algal epiphytes. Thirty-six species of macroalgae were found. The epiflora of the leaves consisted of 20 species, the others being mixed with or entangled in the rhizomes. On the leaves, Ceramium tenerrimum, Dasya corymbifera, Polysiphonia cfr. tenerrima, Spyridia filamentosa, Chondria pygmaea and Laurencia sp. were the most common species; between the rhizomes, Dictyota linearis was abundant. A differentiation of the epiphytic assemblage between 5 m and the other depths was observed; the 5 m samples were characterized by the abundance of Ceramium tenerrimum, Chondria pygmaea and Polysiphonia cfr. tenerrima, while at 15 m and 25 m Laurencia sp., Dasya corymbifera and Spyridia filamentosa were the most common species. Epiphytic cover was generally very low. No rare species were found among the epiphytes. In comparison with other Mediterranean seagrasses, Halophila stipulacea has a qualitatively and quantitatively poor epiphytic flora. In particular, the virtual absence of encrusting corallines is noteworthy. A fast turnover rate of the leaves is hypothesized to be the main reason for this scarcity. Differences between this and other studies on epiphytes of Halophila stipulacea stands are discussed.

Effects of culture conditions on production of antibiotically active metabolites by the marine alga Spyridia filamentosa (Ceramiaceae, Rhodophyta). I. Light

The effect of irradiance over the range 5 to 70 μmol photon m−2 s−1 on production of antibiotically active metabolites was assessed for male and female gametophytes and tetrasporophytes of the red alga Sphyridia filamentosa (Wulfen) Harvey in Hooker in culture. Whole-algal extracts and ten recognizable TLC-separable zones were assayed against five human microorganisms pathogenic to humans. For all experimental irradiance conditions, the ten TLC zones displayed activity against four of the microorganisms. The maximum number of TLC zones with activity under any of the culture conditions was six each for male and female Spyridia at 70 μmol photon m−2 s−1. Small changes in irradiance resulted both in different activities against specific microorganisms and degree of activity. The fact that every TLC zone showed differing activities at different light conditions or when extracted from different life history stages strongly suggests the presence of multiple antibiotic principals in individual TLC zones.

Effects on Growth and Accumulation of Zinc in Six Seaweed Species

Seaweed species from a coastal area contaminated by heavy metals (Sepetiba Bay) in Rio de Janeiro State (Brazil) presented different levels of Zn concentrations. In some species the levels were 20 times higher than that from a noncontaminated area. The present study was undertaken to investigate the capability of different species to tolerate and accumulate zinc. For this purpose six species, Ulva lactuca, Enteromorpha flexuosa, Padina gymnospora, Sargassum filipendula, Hypnea musciformis,and Spyridia filamentosa,were cultivated under laboratory semistatic conditions in five Zn concentrations in seawater, 10, 20, 100, 1000, and 5000 μg · liter −1for a period of 21 days. All species died at 5000 μg · liter −1of Zn, two species ( U. lactucaand E. flexuosa) died at 1000 μg · liter −1, and one, H. musciformis,died with 100 μg · liter −1. The lowest concentration of Zn that presented growth inhibition in the six species was 20 μg · liter −1. The brown alga P. gymnosporapresented the highest accumulation level of Zn, and H. musciformisthe lowest level. The results of tolerance and accumulation under laboratory conditions, associated with field results, indicate the species of Padinaand Sargassumas the best species for monitoring heavy metals in tropical coastal areas, and the potential use of their biomass to remove heavy metals from wastewaters.

Escapes from herbivory in relation to the structure of mangrove island macroalgal communities.

Some shallow habitats that surround mangrove islands exhibit abruptly discontinuous macrophyte boundaries; in other regions, plant distributional patterns are less defined. Where distinct boundaries do occur, fleshy algae predominate on the roots of the red mangrove, Rhizophora mangle, which do not contact the bottom sediments ("hanging roots"), while calcifying algae dominate on the substratum-penetrating roots and banks (=embedded-root habitat) surrounding the mangrove thickets. Considerable natural-history and floristic information reveals that the fleshy hanging-root species are not specialists, for that type of habitat. Experimental transplants showed that on banks and embedded roots where there typically are abundant macroherbivores (particularly sea urchins), most fleshy algae are eliminated.The dominants of the hanging-root habitat (e.g, Acanthophora spicifera, Spyridia filamentosa, Caulerpa racemosa var. Occidentalis) are 6-20 times more susceptible to herbivores than the dominants of the embedded-root habitat (e.g., Halimeda opuntia f. triloba, H. monile). Consequently, we suggest the former are relegated to the spatial refugia from herbivores (=non-coexistence escapes) provided by the hanging roots. Factors associated with these palatability differences include higher average calorific values (6.5 times) of the fleshy hanging-root dominants, greater proportions of organic content (2.6 times) and the general absence of calcification. The dominants of the embedded-root habitat show reduced edibility as a probable consequence of low calorific values, heavy calcification and potential herbivore-detering secondary metabolites. Correlative evidence and preliminary experimental results tentatively indicate that, in the absence of macroherbivores, the hanging-root dominants, which exhibit production rates 4.7 times greater than the dominants of the embedded-root habitat, are better competitors for space.We suggest that variations in herbivory are responsible, in part, for maintaining greater algal diversity in mangrove systems. At a study site with abundant sea urchins, five algal species were found only in the embedded-root habitat three species were confined to the hanging roots, while three others occurred in both. At an urchin-free site, no macrophytes were found only on embedded-root substrata, while one (in trace amounts) was found only on hanging-root habitat and eight occurred in both. We predict that in the absence of herbivores, the species assemblage characteristic of the hanging-roots would exclude many of the dominants from the embedded-root habitat.

Gambierdiscus toxicus,a ciguatera-causing dinoflagellate from Hawaii.

Wild cells of Gambierdiscus toxicus, the alleged causative organism of ciguatera, were collected on the Island of Oahu and their toxicity established. The largest population was found in association with the red alga Spyridia filamentosa. Two toxic prnciples seem to exist in the organism: one was ciguatoxin-like, and the other maitotoxin-like, as shown by their action on the guinea pigatrium. These findings are in agreement with those previously reported for G. toxicus from French Polynesia.

The photosynthetic and respiratory rates and tolerances of benthic algae from a mangrove and salt marsh estuary: A comparative study

Net photosynthetic and respiratory rates were studied for four species of estuarine algae dominant in a mangrove and a salt marsh on the west coast of Florida with relation to light, temperature, salinity, and periods of desiccation. Bostrychia bindert (intertidal) and Gracilaria verrucosa (subtidal) were common to both sites: Cladophora repens (intertidal) and Acanthophora spicifera (subtidal) were included from the mangrove community while Catenella repens (intertidal) and Spyridia filamentosa (subtidal) were included from the salt marsh community. Quantitative analysis of chlorophyll a showed higher levels in the salt marsh algae as compared to algae from the mangrove community. Net photosynthetic and respiratory rates were similar for both intertidal species from each site. The intertidal species showed broad tolerances to salinity with positive photosynthetic responses even when held for 3 days in distilled water. All intertidal species had high rates of photosynthesis after periods of desiccation of 4, 8 or 16 h day −1 for 3 days and these rates were evident in specimens monitored in the air as well as submerged. Peak rates of photosynthesis for all 8 species occurred under 1·12 × 10 4 μW cm −2 white light, at 30–36 °C and in 20–30%. The subtidal algae from the mangrove community ( Acanthophora and Gracilaria) had 5- to 10-fold increases in photosynthetic rates over the subtidal species from the salt marsh community ( Spyridia and Gracilaria). The physiological tolerances of the algae to site and location in salt marsh and mangrove estuaries along the west coast of Florida are discussed.

The role of benthic algae in the shallow reef of Curaçao (Netherlands Antilles) III: The significance of grazing

Several cage experiments were conducted in the shallow reef along the south-west coast of Curaçao, in order to test the hypothesis that “undergrazing” might cause degradation of the coral reef as a consequence of unhampered growth of fleshy and filamentous algae covering the important reef building and consolidating crustose corallines and thus causing their death. Substrates excluded from grazing were covered rapidly by a conspicuous vegetation of filamentous and fleshy algae. In this respect, differences were found neither between artificial substrates (asbestos plates) and natural substrates (crustose coralline algae and dead coral limestone) nor between substrates whose surfaces were initially devoid of filamentous and fleshy algae (asbestos plates and crustose coralline algae) and substrates which bore a sparse vegetation of epilithic algae (dead coral limestone). The reef building and consolidating crustose corallines ( Porolithon pachydermum (Fosl.) Fosl. and Lithophyllum sp.3) died when excluded from grazing, probably because they were covered by a dense vegetation of filamentous and fleshy algae. The superficial layer of the dead coralline crusts were infested by endolithic algae. Crustose coralline algae were only able to settle and grow on substrates which were not excluded from grazing. Grazing by fishes alone was sufficient to suppress increment of epilithic, fleshy and filamentous algae. Gross production of the dead coralline crusts, with their endolithic and epilithic algae (0.028–0.046 mg O 2/cm 2/h) was as high as gross production of the living coralline algae. It is concluded that the high grazing pressure exhibited by the numerous herbivores, does not affect the high primary productivity of the shallow reef system seriously. When a natural sparse vegetation of filamentous and fleshy algae was excluded from grazing, it developed into a dense vegetation with a species comoosition and gross production which was comparable to the natural dense vegetation inhabiting crevices and hollows in the shallow reef. However, the natural dense vegetation, which is grazed to some extent has a higher productivity/biomass ratio than the dense vegetation completely excluded from grazing. The importance of endolithic, boring algae, which are present everywhere in the limestone of the shallow reef is stressed. Whenever an overlying primary producer disappears, its task as primary producer is replaced by the boring algae. The composition of the vegetation which appeared on the artificial substrates showed a distinct succession. On substrates excluded from grazing, during the first 6–8 weeks ephemerous species like Giffordia duchassaingiana (Grün.) Taylor, Enteromorpha clathrata (Roth.) Grev. and Cladophora spp. were important constituents, and after a prolonged period (10–15 weeks) more fleshy and larger species (e.g. Centroceras clavulatum (C.Ag.) Mont., Wrangelia argus Mont., Jania capillacea Harv., Dictyota dichotoma (Huds.) Lamour., Laurencia microcladia Kütz., Spyridia filamentosa (Wulf.) Harv., Pterocladia americana Taylor) became abundant. Much sediment was entrapped by these dense vegetations. In the sparse vegetation on the plates where fishes were allowed to graze, Giffordia duchassaingiana, Enteromorpha clathrata and Trichosolen sp. were abundant at first. However, on these plates, probably because they were grazed, several crustose algae ( Porolithon pachydermum, Neogoniolithon solubile (Fosl. et Howe) Setch. et Mason, Protoderma sp. and Myrionema sp.) were able to settle and become important constituents of the vegetation.