Family: Peyssonneliaceae |
Bocas Species Database Habitat: On hard substrata at a variety of depths. Distribution: Representatives of the genus are widely distributed throughout the world’s oceans in both hemispheres at a variety of depths from the intertidal to the lowest photic zone. Characteristics: This Peyssonnelia sp. is a fleshy dark red to maroon crust that is only lightly calcified on the lower surface. It grows firmly attached to the hard substratum. Surface cells uniform and evenly spaced. Perithallial cells arranged in unbranched vertical rows. Notes: This genus is locally abundant in the area. The basal cells in this species are unbranched, which is a helpful trait in the delineation of Peyssonnelia species. Accordingly, the branched species, P. inamoena, P. conchicola, and P. simulans, can be excluded. |