Dictyota stolonifera

Dictyota stolonifera E. Y. Dawson

Dictyota stolonifera E. Y. Dawson, 1962d:392, pl. 5: fig. A; González-González et al., 1996:147; De Clerck,

2003:136, figs. 51A–E, 52AߝE; Abbott and Huisman, 2003b:182; Abbott and Huisman, 2004:206, fig. 78C.

Dilophus stoloniferus (E. Y. Dawson) Schnetter et Bula Meyer, 1982:62, pl. 9: figs. H–O.

Algae of 1 to several, subdichotomosly branched, flat straplike fronds, up to 6 cm tall and 3–4 mm wide, above a short compressed stipe, and attached to substratum by distinctive multilayered, stoloniferous growths, up to 500 µm in diameter. Branches lack proliferations, with smooth surface and hair tufts; margins entire; terminal portions of similar width as rest of frond (not reduced); rounded apices with concentric growth bands (not always evident), 600–1200 µm wide. Medulla a single cell layer, and 2 or more cell layers at margins; some medullary cell walls with secondary thickenings. Cortex a single cell layer of small pigmented cells.

Reproductive structures apparently scattered. Sporangia 70–100 µm in diameter, solitary or in small groups; each borne on a single stalk cell. Oogonia in scattered sori, up to 200 µm in diameter. Antheridia not seen.

HABITAT. On rocks and tidal platforms and in tide pools; mid intertidal to shallow subtidal.

DISTRIBUTION. Gulf of California: Puerto Peñasco. Pacific coast: Costa Rica; Nicaragua; Isla Gorgona Parque Nacional, Colombia; Hawaiian Islands.

TYPE LOCALITY. Intertidal; volcanic reef, Masachapa, Pacific Nicaragua.