Chondrus canaliculatus is a red seaweed endemic to Peru and Chile. The name currently represents the only species classified in Chondrus from the southern hemisphere. Based on previous phylogenetic analyses, C. canaliculatus is polyphyletic with respect to Chondrus and possesses unique morpho-anatomical features that distinguish it from other genera in the Gigartinaceae. In this study, expanded phylogenetic analyses using rbcL and COI sequences, a combined data set, and morphological details were further examined to address the taxonomy and evolutionary systematics of C. canaliculatus. Genetic analyses placed C. canaliculatus well within the genus Mazzaella and therefore Mazzaella canaliculata comb. nov. is proposed. Mazzaella canaliculata is distinguished from the other Mazzaella from the southern hemisphere by its dichotomous branching, secondary filaments that persist and leave a well...

Phyllophorella was recently described from two localities on the central coast of Peru (12°S), based on the endemic species Phyllophora (Ph.) peruviana. The genus currently accommodates three species, Phyllophorella (P.) peruviana, P. humboldtiana and P. limaensis. Recent field surveys for Phyllophorella on the central coast of Peru led to the discovery of collections outside the originally reported ranges. Morphological, anatomical, and genetic characterization of the specimens confirms range extensions for P. peruviana to 9° S and 15° S, and P. humboldtiana to 12° S and 15° S. A combined phylogenetic analysis of rbcL and COI-5P gene sequences supports the taxonomic status of these two species and reasserts the genus as monophyletic. Anatomically, the two species differ in nemathecial structure. Phyllophorella peruviana displays dome-shaped and well-defined circular nemathecia, whe...

Chondracanthus chamissoi is a red seaweed of commercial importance that is intensively harvested along the Peruvian coast, so it is necessary to have a greater knowledge that leads to develop their cultivation. In this study, specimens from three locations were grown: Paiján (7°46’S; 79°25’W), Ancón (11°46’S; 77°11’W) and Mendieta (14°3’S; 76°15’W). The feasibility of the carpospores methodology is postulated as an alternative to develop its cultivation. In addition, it is proposed that there are similarities in reproductive potential (PR) and the first stages of culture (spore release, settlement and growth) between localities. The RP was higher for Ancón specimens (320 million of spores), followed by Mendieta (144 million) and Paiján (12 million). However, the spore release process for the start of the culture was more effective for Paiján, with an amount of carp...

Seven species of Rhodymenia have been recorded for the coast of Peru, where six of them grow on the central coast: R. corallina, R. howeana, R. multidigitata, R. flabellifolia, R. skottsbergii and R. californica. The most controversial taxonomically is R. corallina, from which R. howeana and R. multidigitata have been separated, only on the basis of external morphological characters (stipe form and frond habit). Recent and intensive collections of this species complex in the central coast of Peru (9°S to 15°S) have allowed gathering several morphotypes, evidencing high morphological variability, which makes difficult to differentiate each of the taxa involved. The aim of this work was to clarify the taxonomy of this complex by combining morphological data, both vegetative and reproductive, and genetic sequences through the use of rbcL and COI-5P markers. Specimens from Callao, type loc...