The most abundant coral algae, in the Gulf of California in Mexico, is actually a compound of five different species, scientists have found.
The discovery was made by Jazmin Hernandez Kantun, marine biologist at the Autonomous University of South Baja California (UABCS), resulting in a change of paradigm in the study of the species known as Lithophyllum margaritae.
"Coral algae in Mexico and through out the world are usually identified only by their shape and colour. However, is necessary to investigate the species in depth, given that bigger biodiversity exists in this organism than previously thought," said Kantun.
The researcher said that since 1992 the Habitats Directive of the European Union protects two rodoliths forming species: Lithothamnion corallioides and Phymatolithon calcareum; considering them the most abundant and important, giving them relevance as a marine ecosystem and using them as rich mineral fertilisers.
She found that at least other two species: L glaciale and L tophiforme, should be considered in the protected group having the same characteristics.
The environmental value of coral algae lies in the fact that when detached during tides and accumulate in specific areas, they form mantles of rodoliths which are rich in calcium and used by corals, clams, larvae and mollusks as "foundation" to start their development.
However, global warming is changing the natural chemistry of ocean ecosystems, increasing the absorption of carbon dioxide and modifying its acidification levels (pH).
Kantun warned that the acidification could remove the mantles of rodoliths from the ecosystem, directly affecting the mollusks, corals and any other organism found in them.
