New foliose and gelatinous red macroalgae (Rhodophycota) from the Azores: Morphological and geographical observations

Abstract

The following four species of foliose and gelatinous red algae (Rhodophycota) are newly recorded for the Azores archipelago (North Atlantic Ocean): Gracilaria multipartita (Clemente) Harvey, Meristotheca decumbens Grunow (Solieriaceae), Asteromenia peltata (W.R. Taylor) Huisman and A.J.K. Millar (Rhodymeniaceae), and Agardhinula browneae (J. Agardh) De Toni (Faucheaceae). The species are described, and information on reproductive status, ecology and biogeographical relationships is provided.