Bioecology of an articulated coralline alga Amphiroa fragilissima from Anjuna, Goa, Central Western Coast of India

Abstract

An articulated coralline alga Amphiroa fragilissima L. Lam. was found to exhibit spasmogenic and hypotensive activities due to the presence of a biogenic amine. This biologically active alga was studied for its bioecology. Its thallus is multiaxial and has long and short cells in the intergenicular region. Reproduction takes place only by means of tetraspores. Calcium carbonate deposition in this alga is in the form of high magnesium calcite. There was an increase in magnesium incorporation from 30.0 to 30.2 during the monsoon. Intergenicula showed `C' type surface morphology and the presence of trichocytes when viewed under a scanning electron microscope. This alga avoids fouling by shedding its epithalial layer. Aspects regarding its seasonal variation in standing crop, association, and grazing were studied. Environmental parameters and their effects on this alga were also investigated