engleski

Taxonomic composition of benthic diatoms (Bacillariophyta) from areas affected by invasive macroalgae Caulerpa taxifolia (Vahl) C. Agardh and Caulerpa racemosa (Forsskål) J. Agardh (Adriatic Sea, Croatia)

There is a considerable lack of data on marine benthic diatoms in the Adriatic. This study focuses on the taxonomy of epiphytic diatoms in areas of invasive macroalgae of the genus Caulerpa sp. on the eastern Adriatic Sea coast. Material was collected during two years (autumn 2008 – autumn 2010) from an area influenced by Caulerpa taxifolia in the bay of Stari Grad (the Island of Hvar), and from areas influenced by macroalga Caulerpa racemosa in Dubrovnik and on the Island of Mljet (Gonoturska Bay). In order to compare epiphyte assemblages, sampling of coexisting autochthonous brown and green algae was conducted on the same stations. Light and electron microscopy will provide for the first time the information on the general morphology and ultrastructure of species, and enable a determination of the taxonomy of diatoms. Knowledge of the diatom community structure in the areas of Caulerpa spp. is important for studies of the toxic effects of the host.

marine benthic diatoms; Caulerpa; Adriatic Sea

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