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Kappaphycus striatum (Schmitz) Doty ex Silva |
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Description: Hawaiian algae less than 25cm tall, not as coarse as K. alvarezii, principally differing in abundance of secondary branches and spines (blunt or sharp, in rows or like teeth), spines often seeming to have direct relationship with production of secondary branches; longer secondary indeterminate branches common from shaded lower clump of plant; plants usually dasrk green, but if shaded can be reddish. reproduction as for genus.(Abbott, 1999:p.173). Introduction and Origin: Introduced in Kane'ohe Bay. O'ahu, in 1979 for experimental aquaculture. Relatively rare in 1994, locally abundant in 1997. Hawaiian Distribution: Kane'ohe Bay, O'ahu. Habitat: Shallow subtidal on reef flat in Kane'ohe Bay, O'ahu. Environmental Effects: K. striatum may decrease the heterogeneity of the reef substrate by covering holes and crevasses, thus affecting recruitment of other species. World Distribution: Type locality: Tanzania, Indian Ocean. Indonesia, western Pacific, Micronesia. Commercial Interests: Together with Kappaphycus alvarezii, K. striatum produces most of the world's supply of kappa-carrageenan. Rate of Spread / Method: In O'ahu, only by vegetative growth. Factors likely to influence Spread and Distribution: Presence of nutrient-enriched sediments in the reef flat. In clear waters, strong to moderate currents that may provide a sufficient supply of dissolved inorganic nutrients. Reasons for Success: High growth rate. Thallus with multiple meristems ensures fast vegetative reproduction. Control Methods: None used. Reduction of eutrophic conditions both in sediments and water column. References: |
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