The morphology and distribution ecology of Corynomorpha prismatica: A red seaweed of potential economic significance in southeast Tanzania

Abstract

Investigations have been conducted on the gross morphology and distribution ecology of Corynomorpha prismatica J. Agardh (Rhodophyta, Cryptonemiales) at Lindi, southeast Tanzania. The mean standing crop of the seaweed in the study locality was 518±80.2 g/m² dry weight. Frond height varied as a function of habitat elevation, being 21.2±1.3, 20.2±2.0, 13.7±2.5 and 4.3±0.4 cm at-15, 5, 25 and 45 cm elevation above spring-tide low-water mark, respectively. Populations of C. prismatica were almost exclusively confined to west-facing vertical rocky surfaces sheltered from direct insolation during the morning hours. The fronds showed a wider variety of morphological appearance than reported in the literature. This was partly due to variations in the patterns of thallus regeneration after wounding. The economic implications of these findings are discussed.