Succession and growth rates of encrusting crustose coralline algae (Rhodophyta,Cryptonemiales) in the upper fore-reef environment off Ishigaki Island,Ryukyu Islands

Observations were made on the succession and growth rates of crustose coralline algae growing in situ on artificial substrata in a shallow fore-reef environment on Ishigaki Island, Ryukyu Islands. Succession in well-illuminated environments manifests itself as a gradual replacement of species having very thin thalli by those having larger and thicker thalli. The species Porolithon onkodes, Paragoniolithon conicum and Lithophyllum insipidum achieved dominance by competitive interactions of overgrowing margins. The thicker species recruit quickly (within the first few months), but because of their slow growth rate do not displace the pioneer species that have very thin thalli until after the latter begin to die. Regardless of seasonal temperature fluctuations, which exceed 10 °C, the coralline algal succession is the same for each season. The maximum lateral growth rates of the major species range between 2.9 and 3.9 mm/month. Vertical growth rates of Porolithon onkodes, the thickest species, are the most rapid (more than 2 mm/year at maximum) relative to those of other species. Accretion rates of entire coralline algal cover on ungrazed substrata range from 1.0 to 1.2 mm/year (not allowing any lag time for recruitment), whereas those of grazed substrata are lower. These results are consistent with species which are ecological equivalents and live in similar environments on Caribbean reefs.     

Morphology, anatomy and reproduction of the eastern Mediterranean coralline Tenarea tortuosa and its relationship to members of the Lithophylloideae and Mastophoroideae (Rhodophyta, Corallinales)

One of the most characteristic organisms of the Mediterranean flora, the endemic coralline Tenarea tortuosa , has been collected along the Cretan coast and its vegetative and reproductive structures are reassessed. Gametophytes are described for the first time and are rare, observed only in one locality on the south coast. Reproductive structures suggest that the sexual life history is triphasic, but the present collections indicate unequal representation of males, carposporophytes and tetrasporophytes, and a dominance of bisporophytes suggesting that the alga is reproducing mainly asexually. The frond of Tenarea is formed by the coordinated growth of two elements (branches), growing back-to-back, each showing a simple Titanodema-type of organization; i.e. a monostromatic hypothallium of sinuous cells and a single layer of obliquely borne epithallial cells. Contiguous cells of the two opposite branches are not connected by secondary pit-plugs, and easily glide apart if decalcified. Natural splitting of the lamellae into its two branches may also occur, and single branches may fold regenerating the back-to-back organization. Analogous back-to-back growths occur in species of the distantly related genera Goniolithon (Lithophylloideae) and Leptophytum (Melobe-sioideae) and apparently represent cases of convergence. The affinities of Tenarea to related genera are discussed.     

Effects of kelp canopies on bleaching and photosynthetic activity of encrusting coralline algae

Canopy-forming algae often coexist with an understorey of encrusting coralline algae that bleach following the loss of canopies. We tested the hypothesis that canopy loss causes a reduction in photosynthetic activity of encrusting coralline algae concomitant with their bleaching. When canopies were experimentally removed, corallines bleached and their photosynthetic activity was rapidly reduced to half their activity observed under canopies. This result prompted us to test, and subsequently accept, the hypothesis that exposure of understorey corallines to enhanced light intensity per se (simulation of canopy loss) acts as a mechanism that causes bleaching and reduced photosynthetic activity. Despite bleaching, encrusting corallines maintained reduced levels of photosynthetic activity, and this may explain why, under certain conditions, bleached corallines can persist in the absence of canopy-forming algae. Nevertheless, our data provide evidence that the positive association between canopy-forming algae and encrusting coralline algae is maintained because of shade provided by the canopy.     

Taxonomic biodiversity of geniculate coralline red algae (Corallinales,Rhodophyta) from the Macaronesian region: summary and analysis

A catalog and critical review of species and infraspecific taxa of non-fossil geniculate coralline red algae (Corallinales, Rhodophyta) previously reported from the Macaronesian region are presented along with an assessment of species diversity in the region. Published records of geniculate coralline algae are included along with comments relating to type material. Within the catalog, taxa are organized alphabetically by genus and within this by final epithet. From the 31 taxa recorded, 4 are based on type collections from Macaronesian localities. The types of most species and infraspecific taxa reported from the region have yet to be re-examined in a modern context, and most Macaronesian records require verification. The biodiversity of Macaronesian geniculate coralline algae may be lower than current information indicates.     

On three interesting marine red algae (Ceramiales,Rhodophyta) from the Mediterranean Sea

Abstract

Observations on three interesting Ceramiales from the Mediterranean Sea are reported; Ceramium incospicuum Zanardini, Polysiphonia setacea Hollenberg and Rodriguezella pinnata (Kützing) Schmitz ex Falkenberg. The male reproductive structures on the genus Rodriguezella are described for the first time.     

Late Hauterivian coralline algae (Rhodophyta,Corallinales) from the Iberian Chain (E Spain). Taxonomy and the evolution of multisporangial reproductive structures

Upper Hauterivian reefal carbonates of the Llàcova Formation (Maestrat Basin, Iberian Chain, E Spain) contain Sporolithon phylloideum (Bucur and Dragastan) Tomás, Aguirre, Braga and Martín-Closas comb. nov. and Sporolithon rude (Lemoine) Ghosh and Maithy (1996). Moussavian et al. (1993) identified them as Parakymalithon phylloideum (Bucur and Dragastan) Moussavian 1987 and Archaeolithothamnium rude Lemoine 1925. The re-assessment of the type of P. phylloideum and additional material indicate that the diagnostic characters of the genus do not warrant separation from Sporolithon and the new combination Sporolithon phylloideum is proposed. The lectotype of Sporolithon rude presents sporangial cavities grouped in sori that can be merged originating a structure that resembles the multiporate tetrasporangial conceptacles of the Hapalidiaceae. We hypothesize that multiporate tetrasporangial conceptacles could have originated from the fusion of several sporangial cavities, suggesting a phylogenetic linkage between Sporolithaceae and Hapalidiaceae supported by other anatomical features, molecular phylogeny and the fossil record.     

Succession of crustose coralline red algae (Rhodophyta) on coralgal reefs exposed to physical disturbance in the southwest Atlantic

Biological and physical disturbances create the conditions for species succession in any biological ecosystem. In particular, coral reefs are susceptible to this process because of the complexity of their ecological relationships. In the southwest Atlantic, nearshore reefs are mostly coated by a thin layer of coralline crusts rather than stony corals. However, little is known about the succession of crustose coralline algae. We studied this process by means of a series of experimental and control discs exposed to physical disturbance. Our results showed that the dominant species in natural conditions, Pneophyllum conicum, had early recruits and later became dominant on the discs, replicating the community structure of the actual reef. This species had mature reproductive structures and available spores from the beginning of the colonization experiments. Thicker crusts of Porolithon pachydermum and Peyssonnelia sp. were found on the discs after 112 days, and significantly increased their cover over the succeeding months; and after 1 year, P. conicum was less abundant. Physical disturbance increased crust recruitment and the low-light environment created by sediments. The data demonstrated coexistence among crustose coralline species and a tolerance to physical disturbance, which seemed to favor the thinner crusts of P. conicum over thick-crust species during succession. The succession pattern observed in this subtropical Brazilian coral reef differs from that described for shallow tropical reef communities.     

Studies on selected corallinaceae (Rhodophyta) and other algae in a defined marine culture medium

A marine culture medium (MCM) has been developed and shown to have the unique ability to support the growth of several coralline algae. The results of experiments designed to determine the effects of varying certain ionic concentrations and buffers are presented for this defined medium. Optima of 5 mM Ca²⁺, 1 mM SO^2?₄ and 1 μM BO^3?₃ (lower than the respective sea-water levels) were found for growth or oxygen evolution in Corallina. No organic buffer was needed for growth of Corallinaceae, but growth stimulation was observed for a strain of Callithamnion (Ceramiaceae) when Tris—(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane buffer was added. This stimulation could not be duplicated with other similar buffers. Results of growth studies with a diverse selection of marine macrophytes have indicated that MCM generally supports growth better than sea water alone but often not as well as enriched sea water. The best MCM growth results were observed with members of the Rhodophyceae and certain Chlorophyceae.     

Preliminary comments on a redescription of Pseudolithophyllum fuegianum and Titanoderma conspectum (Rhodophyta,Corallinales) in Tierra del Fuego,Argentina

The effect of twelve drugs and chemical compounds on the narcosis of Brachionus plicatilis was studied using standardized laboratory conditions. Drug efficacy was compared by calculating EC₅₀ (effective concentration causing narcosis in 50% of animals), time necessary to reach narcosis in 50% of animals, concentration range of activity, and degree of extension after preservation. The local anesthetic Bupivacaine was found to be most effective by all criteria. Our previous data and preliminary field experiments indicated that drug sensitivity varies widely, even between congeneric taxa. The anesthetic effect of carbonated water was also investigated.     

Laboratory-induced development of the ice-ice disease of the farmed red algae Kappaphycus alvarezii and Eucheuma denticulatum (Solieriaceae,Gigartinales, Rhodophyta)

The most common perception of unfavorable environmental factors causing the ice-ice disease in the farmed seaweeds, Kappaphycus and Eucheuma, was demonstrated in this study for the first time using stressful conditions of abiotic factors in a continuous culture system. Light intensity of less than 50 mol photon m^–2 s^–1 and salinity of 20% or less induced ice-ice whitening characterized by short segments at midbranches which were similar to those observed in the Philippine seaweed farms, while temperatures of up to 33–35 °C resulted in wide-scale whitening leading to complete damage of the branches. These effects were preceded by slow growth rates from an optimum of 3.7% d^–1 to almost –2.0% d^–1. Mechanical stress by wound injury did not result to ice-ice whitening similar to the above. Environmental factors observed to trigger ice-ice in the laboratory, although may not necessarily parallel those in the field, may act synergestically to produce similar effects.     

The cell wall chemistry of Bangia atropurpurea (Bangiales, Rhodophyta) and Bostrychia moritziana (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta) from marine and freshwater environments

The cell wall polysaccharides of two species of red algae, which are adapted to both freshwater and marine environments, were analysed to determine the effect of these widely different environments on their commercially important agarocolloids and to investigate the possible role of the cell wall in environmental adaptation. Cell wall polymers of freshwater isolates of Bangia atropurpurea (Roth) C. Agardh and cultured freshwater and marine Bostrychia moritziana (Sonder ex Kützing) J. Agardh were isolated and the polysaccharides chemically fractionated and characterized. Wall polysaccharides of freshwater B. atropurpurea were similar to those previously reported for marine isolates with repeating disac-charide units of agarose and porphyran predominant in the hot water extracts. In the insoluble residues, 3-iinked galactosyl and 4-linked mannosyl residues were predominant. Bostrychia moritziana wall polysaccharides included agarocolloids with various patterns of methyl ether substitution similar to those previously described for other Ceramiales. Differences in the position of methyl ether substituents were detected in the hot water extracts of the freshwater and marine specimens. Polymers of freshwater ß. moritziana cultures were composed of a complex mixture of repeating disaccharide units including 2′-O-methyl agarose, 6-O-methyI agarose and 2′-O-methyl porphyran. Polymers of marine isolates of ß. moritziana differ in that they contain only trace amounts of 2-O-methyl saccharides and increased amounts of 6-O-amethyl saccharides. The hot water insoluble residues of both freshwater and marine isolates of ß. moritziana contain a mixture of 3-linked galactosyl and 4-linked glucosyl residues. These results indicate that the adaptive response of B. moritziana to changing osmotic and ionic conditions may include changes in cell wall chemistry: notably, the pattern of methyl ether substitution.     

Macrozoobenthic Assemblages of the Evros Delta (North Aegean Sea)

The composition of the macrozoobenthic assemblages of the Evros Delta (North Aegean Sea) has been investigated by means of 4 replicate quantitative samples, collected at 35 sites. The information obtained from the numerical analysis of the faunal samples and the analysis of other data (values of the main physico-chemical parameters) revealed the presence of a single community. The faunal composition of this community varies locally according mainly to the salinity and secondly to the particle size of the substrate. The community is described on the basis of its biological parameters and compared with corresponding assemblages from other areas.     

Sublittoral ecology of marine algae on the North Wales coast

Summary 1. Diving work carried out between April 1964 and July 1966 on the North Wales coast (Anglesey) showed that the west coast stations A and B could be divided into four distinct sublittoral regions, the east coast station showed a more irregular distribution of the flora.2. The four distinct regions were: TheLaminaria forest, the rock below theLaminaria zone, the bed of loose stones supporting algae in summer, and the bed of sand supportingLaminaria saccharina.3. The distribution of algae at station C was more dependant upon the local topography of the boulders making up the sea bed.4. There was a difference between the fruiting periods of algae growing at a great depth and in the shallow water.

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Sublitorale Ökologie mariner Algen an der Küste von Nord-Wales

Kurzfassung Über die sublitorale Pflanzenwelt bei Anglesey und Caernarvonshire ist relativ wenig bekannt. Das Ziel unserer im Oktober 1964 begonnenen Taucharbeiten war daher, die Kenntnisse über Artengefüge, Verbreitung und vegetative sowie reproduktive Jahreszyklen zu vertiefen. Die Wirkungen von Temperatur, Licht, Wellenexposition und Sporenverbreitung wurden untersucht und zu den gefundenen Verbreitungswerten in Beziehung gesetzt. Es zeigte sich, daß die Westküsten A und B in 4 verschiedene Sublitoralregionen unterteilt werden könne, während an den Ostküstenstationen eine einheitlichere Verbreitung vorherrschte. Die 4 unterscheidbaren Westküstenregionen waren der Laminarienwald, der Felsbereich unterhalb der Laminarien, das Bett loser Steine und das Sandbett mitLaminaria saccharina. Bei Station C hängt die Algenverbreitung mehr von der lokalen Topographie ab. Die Fortpflanzungszeiten der Algen erwiesen sich als abhängig von der Wassertiefe am Standort.

     

Some regularities in the development of encrusting colonies of Cribrilina annulata (Fabricius, 1780)

The growth of encrusting colonies was studied with mathematical model. It was shown that encrusting growth takes place under increasing competition for the substrate inside the colony. The model was tested on the example of Cribrilina annulata collected in White Sea on Laminaria saccarina. All colonies were mapped, zooids were measured and genealogical connections between them were established. A number of gradients were revealed by statistical methods. The intensity of budding decreases in astogeny according to theoretical predictions. It was shown that development of Cribrilina annulata colonies is strictly determined by gradients that can be caused by shortage of substrate space. It leads to the suppression of budding and changing in zooid size. Increasing substrate shortage is predictable and caused by the regularities in of zooid budding. The growth of colony stops after exhausting of potentially available substrate.     

Host specificity and growth of kelp gametophytes symbiotic with filamentous red algae (Ceramiales,Rhodophyta)

Kelp gametophytes were previously observed in nature living endophytically in red algal cell walls. Here we examine the interactions of two kelp species and six red algae in culture. Gametophytes of Nereocystis luetkeana (Mertens) Postels et Ruprecht became endophytic in the cell walls of Griffithsia pacifica Kylin and Antithamnion defectum Kylin, and grew epiphytically in high abundance on G. japonica Okamura and Aglaothamnion oosumiense Itono. Alaria esculenta (Linnaeus) Greville from the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia became endophytic in Aglaothamnion oosumiense, Antithamnion defectum, Callithamnion sp., G. japonica, G. pacifica, and Pleonosporium abysicola Gardner, all from the Pacific Ocean. Some cultures were treated with phloroglucinol before infection to thicken the cell walls. The endophytic gametophytes were smaller and grew more slowly than gametophytes epiphytic on the same host. N. luetkeana failed to become endophytic in some of the potential hosts, and this may reflect host specificity, or culture artifacts. This work improves our understanding of the process of infection of red algae by kelp gametophytes, and broadens our knowledge of host specificity in endophytic symbioses.Communicated by K. Lüning     

Production and properties of agar from the invasive marine alga, Gracilaria vermiculophylla (Gracilariales, Rhodophyta)

The utilization potential, in terms of agar production, of the invasive alga, Gracilaria vermiculophylla, collected at Ria de Aveiro, northwestern Portugal was investigated. The agar yield ranged from 15% to 33%, with pre-extraction treatment with alkali generally increasing the yield. The gel quality (gel strength and apparent Young’s modulus) was best (>600 g cm^?2 and >1,000 kPa, respectively) when alkali treatment with 6% NaOH for 3.5 h was performed. At these pretreatment conditions, the effect of extraction time was also investigated and highest yield and best gel quality were obtained with a 2 h extraction time. By employing these extraction conditions, G. vermiculophylla can be a source of industrial food-grade agar. The structure of agar from G. vermiculophylla was determined through chemical techniques and FTIR and NMR spectrometry. It is mainly composed of alternating 3-linked d-galactose and 4-linked 3,6-anhydro-l-galactose, with methyl substitution occurring at 16–19 mol% of C-6 in 3-linked units and 2–3 mol% of C-2 in 4-linked units. A minor sulfation on C-4 of 3-linked units was also detected; while precursor units (6-sulfated 4-linked galactosyl moieties) were found in the native extract.     

Distribution and ecology of freshwater red algae (Rhodophyta) in some central Finnish rivers

Macroscopic red algae were sampled simultaneously with diatom sampling from 60 locations in central Finnish rivers and at some rivers in south coast rivers in the summers 1986, 1993 and 1994. In those samples 17 red algal taxa from 5 genera ( Audouinella (3). Batrachospermum (7). Lemanea (4), Sirodotia (2) and Tuomeya (1)) were identified. Some of these taxa were new to Finland and two were new for Europe.     

Population Dynamics,Growth and Productivity of Abra ovata (Mollusca,Bivalvia) in the Evros Delta (North Aegean Sea)

Monthly samples of Abra ovata were collected during February 1983-January 1984 in the Evros Delta (N. Aegean Sea). Population density (mean annual value = 2407.5 ind · m⁻²) was characterized by seasonal variation. An analysis of the length frequency distributions shows that one annual recruitment of juveniles (> 2 mm) occurred in October-January; and also that, throughout the year, two age groups existed in the population. One growth ring was formed on the shells of the oldest age group during July-August. Mean growth in shell length can be described by Bertalanffy function. A positive correlation existed between shell length and decalcified dry weight. Secondary production in A. ovata, calculated by the instantaneous growth method, showed a mean biomass of 29.221 g dry weight m⁻²yr⁻¹, a productivity of 17.086 g dry weight m⁻²yr⁻¹ and an annual turnover ratio of 0.59.