Page 40 - Invasive_Species_2013

Mediterranean invasive species factsheet

ALGAE

Reproduction Common name: not assigned

identification

Scientific Name:
Asparagopsis taxiformis
Picture

Key identifying features
Brief history
A red alga that exhibits two morphologically different
life stages. The gametophyte stage (Asparagopsis
taxiformis) is a pale purplish-red alga, up to 30 cm in
height, forming conspicuous monospecific stands
when invasive. Its fronds are bushy, with a cylindrical
axis up to 1 mm wide and 200 mm long, arising from
bare, creeping stolons; it is irregularly branched,
branches being 5–10 mm long.

Field identification signs and habitat
This species usually grows on infralittoral rocky
bottoms from the sea surface to a depth of 50 m. The
sporophyte stage (Falkenbergia hillebrandii) is
filamentous, rose-red in colour, much branched and
forming dense cotton-wool-like tufts 15 mm in
diameter. Asparagopsis taxiformis can be an
epiphyte on other organisms, especially on Corallina
species, colonizing many different habitats from
littoral pools to rocky bottoms down to 20 m in depth.

Asparagopsis taxiformis. Photo: E. Ballesteros Asparagopsis taxiformis. Photo: J.C. Garcia

Monitoring Marine Invasive Species in Mediterranean MPAs: A strategy and practical guide for managers 37