The red algal genus Scinaia (Nemaliales; Rhodophyta) on the Gulf of California, Mexico: a taxonomic account

Abstract

Historically, the genus Scinaia has revealed taxonomic discrepancies and until now there is no consensus on the morphological characters that distinguish species within this genus. Furthermore, most of the species are not completely described. In this paper a re-evaluation of Scinaia genus from the Gulf of California was undertaken, on the basis of historical and recent collections. A critical review of morphological, anatomical and reproductive features is provided and a combination of features is suggested for species diagnosis. The occurrence of Scinaia confusa, Scinaia johnstoniae and Scinaia latifrons is confirmed; the presence of Scinaia interrupta is reported for the first time in the Pacific Ocean.Material previously identified as Scinaia complanata was reidentified as S. johnstoniae. A new pattern on the fusion cell development is described for S. latifrons.