Open AccessSpatial variation of epiphytic microalgae composition in Ulva spp. (Chlorophyta: Ulvaceae) in the Santiago de Cuba bay
Author(s) -
Liliana Gómez Luna,
Rafael Fernández,
Abdiel Jover Capote,
Leticia Delgado Cobas
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
cicimar oceánides
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2448-9123
pISSN - 1870-0713
DOI - 10.37543/oceanides.v27i1.105
Subject(s) - epiphyte , species richness , navicula , bay , ulva lactuca , botany , biology , chlorophyta , algae , nitzschia , ecology , geography , nutrient , archaeology , phytoplankton
The floristic composition of epiphytic microalgae on Ulva spp. in the bay of Santiago de Cuba wasdetermined. Sampling was carried out in five locations (Alameda, Punta Sal, Belmare, Cayo Caracoles and Granma) located according to a pollution gradient, from February to May 2007. We identified 27 species belonging to 24 genera and 3 divisions, on Ulva lactuca, U. fasciata, U. flexuosa and U. rigida. The taxocoenosis of epiphytic microalgae was dominated by five species of diatoms (Cocconeis pinnata, Eunotia sp. Licmophora lyngbyei, Pinnularia sp., Navicula sp.) and two of the blue-green algae (Anabaena lemmermannii and Oscillatoria limosa). The greatest richness of epiphytic species was recorded on February and March. Their distribution seems to be conditioned by abundance and distribution of the substrate, thallus shape and contamination level. The lowest richness of epiphytic microalgae was observed in Alameda and Punta Sal (the interior lobe of the bay), which are more contaminated, and a higher richness was observed in healthier localities: Belmare, Cayo Caracoles and Granma, from the outer lobe.