Classification and phylogeny research v1

Methods for morphological classification and molecular phylogeny of freshwater red algae

A New Species of Kumanoa (Batrachospermales, Rhodophyta) from Baiyun Mountain, Guangdong, China

Kumanoa belonging to the order Batrachospermales is the most species-rich and widely distributed genus of freshwater red algae in China. In this study, a new Kumanoa species is described and illustrated from Baiyun Mountain, Guangdong, China, based on morphological observations and phylogenetic analysis. Kumanoa baiyunensis sp. nov is morphologically distinguished from other species by presenting a small habit (0.5–1 cm tall) with abundant branching in upper part of the thallus; carposporophytes spherical and one per whorl; club-shaped trichogynes with distinct stalk; spermatangia sparse and single-grown, terminal on primary fascicles. Phylogenetic analysis based on the concatenated rbcL+COI-5P+UPA alignment places Kumanoa baiyunensis in a well-supported clade (98/0.96, bootstrap proportion/posterior probability) sister to K. faroensis (from USA) and K. spermatiophora (from Hawaii) with high divergence (rbcL: 4.9%–5.0%, COI-5P: 10.1%–10.5%, UPA: 2.3%). In addition, K. baiyunensis can be easily distinguished from ten Kumanoa species reported in China through morphological features such as small thallus size, abundant branching in upper parts of the thallus, and spermatangia sparse, single-grown, and terminal on primary fascicles. The description of this new species expands the diversity of genus Kumanoa in the world.

Batrachospermum qujingense (Batrachospermales, Rhodophyta), a new freshwater red algal species from Southwest China

Batrachospermum is a widely distributed genus in China. Nonetheless, many taxa recorded previously have no molecular data. In this study, a new species of Batrachospermum called Batrachospermum qujingense is described and illustrated from Qujing, Yunnan, Southwest China, based on morphological observations and a phylogenetic analysis. This species is distinguished morphologically from other species by dioecious thalli, straight carpogonial branches with 7–9 cells and stalked angled obovoid or inflated-clavate trichogynes. In addition, a phylogenetic analysis of the molecular data from the rbcL, COI-5P, and psbA genes indicated separation between the new species proposed in this study and other species in the genus Batrachospermum (4.0–5.3% for rbcL, 7.7%–10.6% for COI-5P, and 2.2–3.2% for psbA ). This is the first species of Batrachospermum reported in Yunnan and the third species of Batrachospermum with molecular data in China. The description of the new species and geographical distribution expands the diversity of freshwater red algae in China.

Hidden introductions of freshwater red algae via the aquarium trade exposed by DNA barcodes

ABSTRACTThe global aquarium trade can introduce alien freshwater invaders, potentially impacting local aquatic ecosystems and their biodiversity. The role of the aquarium trade in spreading freshwater red macroalgae that hitchhike on ornamental aquatic plants and animals is unassessed. We investigated this human-mediated phenomenon via a broad biodiversity survey and genetic analysis of freshwater red algae in the field and aquarium shops in East Asia. Using rbcL-based DNA barcoding, we surveyed 125 samples from 46 field sites and 88 samples from 53 aquarium shops (213 samples in total) mostly across Taiwan – a key hub in the global aquarium trade – as well as in Hong Kong, Okinawa (Japan), the Philippines, and Thailand. We augmented our rbcL sequences with GenBank rbcL sequences that represent 40 additional countries globally. We found 26 molecular operational taxonomic units (mOTUs) in Taiwan, some of which are cryptic. Phylogeographical analysis revealed three potential introduced mOTUs in Taiwan, which exhibit no local genetic variation in Taiwan and are distributed across continents. Also, we posit that some presumably endangered freshwater red algae may be preserved in aquaria, an unintentional ex situ conservation site for these organisms that are vulnerable to water pollution from anthropogenic disturbances. Collectively, these data suggest that freshwater red algae have been hitchhiking and dispersed via the aquarium trade, an important and overlooked mechanism of introduction of these organisms across the globe.

Batrachospermales (Rhodophyta) of China: a catalogue and bibliography

A catalogue and bibliography of Batrachospermales (Rhodophyta) in China is presented. There are 33 species belonged to 10 genera and 2 families. Species distribution among the 10 gen- era are as follows: Batrachospermum, 6; Kumanoa, 10; Montagnia, 1; Nothocladus, 1; Sheathia, 3; Sirodotia, 4; Torularia, 1; Virescentia, 1; Lemanea, 4; and Paralemanea, 2. According to geo- graphical distribution, the members of Batrachospermales in China are composed of 3 types: cos- mopolitan (distributed on at least 5 continents or 10 countries of the world), 6 taxa; regionally dis- tributed (distributed in no more than 4 continents or 10 countries), 15 taxa; and endemic to China (collected, described and reported only from China), 12 taxa. Most species were distributed in East and Southwest China, up to or more than 20 species. Eight species were recorded in North and Central China, respectively. Only 1 or 2 species were found in Northeast and South China, respec- tively. However, no one has been found in the northwest China so far. Thirteen species of Batra- chospermales in China have been confirmed by morphological characteristics combining with mo- lecular data. But unfortunately, the other species are unable to obtain molecular data because fresh collections are not available, which need to be confirmed or rejected in future studies. Kylin, H. (1912): Studien über die schwedischen Arten der Gattung Batrachospermum Roth und Sirodotia nov. gen. – Nova Acta Reg. Soc. Sci. Upsal., Series 4, 3 (3): 1–40. Li, L. C. (1939): Freshwater algae of Yunnan expedition 1935–1937. – Bull. Fan Mem. Inst. Biol., Bot. Series 9: 31–57. Li, L. C. (1940): Additions to the freshwater algae of Yunnan. – Bull. Fan Mem. Inst. Biol., Bot. Series 10: 47–67. Li, Q. & Xie, S. L. (2009): Studies on intraspecific variation of Batrachospermum gelatinosum (Rhodophyta). – J. Shanx. Univ. (Nat. Sci. Ed.) 32 (S1): 113–115. Li, Q., Ji, L. & Xie, S. L. (2010): Phylogenetic analysis of Batrachospemales (Florideophyceae, Rhodophyta) based on chloroplast rbc L sequences. – Acta Hydrobiol. Sin. 34 (1): 20–28. Liao, L. M. (2010): Nomenclatural notes on some Philippine species of freshwater red algae (Rhodophyta). – Phil. J. Syst. Biol. 4: 89–94. Linnaeus, C. (1753): Species Plantarum, Vol. 2. Impensis Laurentii Salvii, Holmiae. Luo, A. G., Hu, B. F. & Xie, S. L. (2009): A preliminary study on the alage in Jinci Park, Shanxi Province. – J. Jinzh. Univ. 26 (3): 51–54, 85. Lyons, T. W., Reinhard, C. T. & Planavsky, N. J. (2014): The rise of oxygen in Earth's early ocean and atmosphere. – Nature 506 (7488): 307–315. McNeey, J. A. (1994): Protected areas for the 21st century: working to provide benefits to society. – Biodivers. Conserv. 3 (5): 390–405. Montagne, C. (1850): Cryptogamia Guyanensis, seu plantarum cellularium in Guyana gallica annis 1835–1849 a Cl. Leprieur collectarum enumeratio universalis. – Ann. Sci. Nat., Bot., Trois. Série 14: 83–309. Nan, F. R., Feng, J. & Xie, S. L. (2014a): Phylogenetic relationship of genus Kumanoa (Batrachospermales, Rhodophyta) based on chloroplast UPA genes. – Bull. Bot. Res. 34 (5): 584–591. Nan, F. R., Feng, J. & Xie, S. L. (2014b): Advances on systematics of Kumanoa (Batrachospermales, Rhodophyta). – World Sci.-Tech. Res. Devel. 36 (3): 33–39. Nan, F. R., Feng, J. & Xie, S. L. (2015): Phylogenetic analysis of genus Kumanoa based on chloroplast psa A and psb A genes. – Acta Hydrobiol. Sin. 39 (1): 155–163.

The freshwater red algae (Batrachospermales, Rhodophyta) of Africa and Madagascar I. New species of Kumanoa, Sirodotia and the new genus Ahidranoa (Batrachospermaceae)

Our knowledge of the diversity of African freshwater red algae is rather limited. Only a few reports exist. During our field work in the last five years we frequently encountered freshwater red algae in streams in Rwanda and Madagascar. Here we describe four new species and one new genus of freshwater red algae from the Batrachospermales, based on morphological and molecular evidence: Kumanoa comperei from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda is related to K. montagnei and K. nodiflora; Kumanoa rwandensis from Rwanda is related to K. ambigua and K. gudjewga; Sirodotia masoalensis is related to S. huillensis and S. delicatula; and the new genus and species Ahidranoa madagascariensis from Madagascar is sister to Sirodotia, Lemanea, Batrachospermum s.str. and Tuomeya. There is also evidence for the presence of Sheathia, which was recorded as yet-unidentifiable Chantransia stages. These are among the first new descriptions since 1899 from the African continent and since 1964 from Madagascar. A short history of the exploration of freshwater red algae from Africa and Madagascar is provided. All new taxa are accompanied by illustrations and observations on their ecology.