engleski

Epiphytic diatoms as successful colonizers of “killer seaweed” Caulerpa taxifolia (Vahl) C. Agardh from various geographic regions

Epiphytic assemblages growing on thalli of "killer seaweed" Caulerpa taxifolia collected from Croatian Adriatic Sea (Bay of Stari Grad, Island of Hvar, Middle Adriatic, Croatia), on the coasts of the Mediterranean (Saint Raphaël, west of Cannes, France), and from eastern coast of Australia (Moreton Bay, southeast Queensland) were compared. Preserved thalli and processed material (hydrogen peroxide treated) were studied by means of light (LM) and electron microscopy (SEM and TEM). Great similarity between sites results from the dominance of a small, previously unknown Cocconeis species which we describe as a new for science. Study of the physiology of this new species is justified since it is able to colonize Caulerpa taxifolia in a great abundance ; the host plant is known to be lethal to other organisms. It seems that despite its notorious reputation and the common name "killer seaweed" Caulerpa taxifolia is a suitable host for epiphytic diatoms.

killer seaweed; Mediterranean; Australia; Epiphytic diatoms

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