Bioecological features of the red macroalgae Chondracanthus chamissoi (C. Agardh) Kützing (Rhodophyta, Gigartinaceae) in the intertidal zone of northern Peru

Abstract

In winter and spring 2018, we studied the red macroalgae Chondracanthus chamissoi known as yuyo or mococho in La Libertad Region. In Trujillo, Paiján, and Pacasmayo, we determined 21 meadows by performing transects perpendicular to the coastline and three quadrats (0.25 m2 each) in every transect. We extracted the organisms from each quadrat, then we separated the samples of macroalgae for analysis from those of accompanying flora and fauna which were recorded in situ as present/absent. We described the type of substrate and the physical-chemical characteristics of the water (temperature, oxygen, and pH). In the laboratory, the samples of C. chamissoi were washed with running water. We determined sizes, density (ind./m2), biomass, and differentiated specimens with reproductive structures (cystocarps). The results show that the majority of the meadows are found on sandbanks and stone bottoms. The central tendency and dispersion statistics calculated were similar. The mean densities were 322 plants/m2 in winter and 292 plants/m2 in spring. In winter, the biomass was estimated at 277.77 t and in spring at 650.69 t. The most frequent taxonomic group was Rhodophyta (red algae) and the most representative species were C. chamissoi,Asterfilopsis furcellata (=Gymnogongrus furcellata), and Grateloupia doryphora. The biomass of other macroalgae was estimated at 11.17 t for Chondracanthus glomeratusclavo or yuyo clavo in winter and 3.53 t in spring, for Gracilariopsis lemaneiformispelillo it was estimated at 1.77 t.