First record of the red alga Griffithsia capitata (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta) in the southwestern Caribbean Sea, Western Atlantic

Abstract

The red algal species Griffithsia capitata (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta), native to the Canary Islands and Madeira, is reported for the first time from San Andres Island, International Biosphere Reserve Seaflower, Caribbean Sea. All specimens, which are small and easily overlooked, were found in coral reef habitats, at depths in the range of 9-17 m, growing mostly on coral rubble or as epiphytes on larger algae. The species was found with all reproductive stages. Its morphological and reproductive features are described and discussed. Whether this new finding is a recent introduction or a species with a natural amphiatlantic distribution still needs to be addressed.