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The seasonal dynamics of epiphytic diatoms of ‘killer’ seaweed Caulerpa taxifolia (Vahl) C. Agardh from the Bay of Stari Grad (the Island of Hvar)

The framework of the author’s research project includes a description of the epiphytic diatom flora on Caulerpa taxifolia (Vahl) C. Agardh. Material was collected monthly over two years (autumn 2008 – autumn 2010) from an area influenced by Caulerpa taxifolia in the Bay of Stari Grad (Island of Hvar). Light and electron microscopy is expected to provide for the first time information on the general morphology and ultrastructure of species, and enable a determination of the taxonomy of diatoms. Taxa of genus Cocconeis Ehrenberg were the most frequent and abundant epiphytes of the Caulerpa thallus. A new species of Cocconeis, tiny Cocconeis caulerpacola Witkowski, Car et Dobosz was observed as epiphyte with patchy distribution covering the surface of Caulerpa taxifolia. The seasonal dynamics will be described on a fine time scale. Knowledge of the diatom community structure in the areas of Caulerpa spp. is important for studies of the toxic effects of the host.

Epiphytic diatoms; taxonomy; seasonal dynamics; Caulerpa; Hvar

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