Polysiphonia atlantica

Polysiphonia atlantica is a small filamentous species of red marine algae Rhodophyta. The thalli form small tufts up to 3 cm long. The axes are ecorticate consisting of axial cells surrounded by four periaxial cells.[1]

Polysiphonia atlantica
Scientific classification
(unranked): Archaeplastida
Division: Rhodophyta
Class: Florideophyceae
Order: Ceramiales
Family: Rhodomelaceae
Genus: Polysiphonia
Species:
P. atlantica
Binomial name
Polysiphonia atlantica
Kapraun & J.N.Norris

Description

Polysiphonia atlantica is a small alga 3 cm high and dark reddish-brown in colour. It grows in tufts from prostrate axes producing numerous erect branches all growing to the similar lengths. The axial cells are surrounded by 4 periaxial cells which are elongate to the same length as the axial cells which are ecorticate. Attached by rhizoids produced by the periaxial cells.[1]

Reproduction

The life history is a sequence of three phases: gametangial, carposporangial and tetrasporangial.[2] The plants are dioecious with spermatangial branchlets at the apices of the branches, cystocarps are slightly urceolate. The tetrasporangia occur the branches in a straight series.[1]

Habitat

Growing on rock, mussels other invertebrates or epiphytic. Between high and low water levels.[1][3]

Distribution

Records have been made from the British Isles- England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland, to Morocco, east coast of America and the Indian Ocean.[1] Most of the records from the British Isles are probably those of Polysiphonia stricta.[3]

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References
  1. Maggs, C.A. and Hommersand, M.H. 1993 Seaweeds of the British Isles. Volume 1 Rhodophyta Part 3A Ceramiales. The Natural History Museum, London. ISBN 9781907807725
  2. Dixon, P.S. Biology of the Rhodophyta. p.187. Oliver & Boyd. ISBN 0-05-002485 X
  3. Hardy, F.G. and Guiry, M.D. 2003. A Check-list and Atlas of the Seaweeds of Britain and Ireland. The British Phycological Society. ISBN 0952711516
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