Seasonality of some species ofGracilaria (Gracilariales, Rhodophyta) from Kenya

Abstract

Studies on the seasonality of 5Gracilaria species (G. corticata, G. crassa, G. millardetii, G. salicornia, G. verrucosa) were carried out. The seasonal abundance of the various species varied with time and geographical location. Nevertheless, a general single peak was evident between the months of September and December.G. verrucosa on the other hand had its peak biomass in July/August.G. millardetti is the only species which apparently preferred lower salinities; the rest of the species had no special trends as far as salinity is concerned. The occurrence ofG. verrucosa for a very short period during the cool part of the year is attributed to the high temperature that prevails in the coastal waters.