Journal of Tropical Oceanography ›› 2025, Vol. 44 ›› Issue (6): 74-90.doi: 10.11978/2025026CSTR: 32234.14.2025026

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Morphological and molecular identification of five Gracilaria species (Gracilariaceae, Rhodophyta) from the Zhanjiang coastal area

LI Nenghui1,2,3(), LYU Zhengwen1,2,3, CAI Hongyan2, LI Hang2, ZENG Jun2, HE Haiping2, ZHU Yuzhen1,2,3,4, WU Kefeng1,3,4, ZHAO Wei5, TAN Huaqiang2,4(), LUO Hui1,3,4()   

  1. 1 School of Ocean and Tropical Medicine, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524023, China
    2 Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhanjiang), Zhanjiang 524002, China
    3 The Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Guangdong Zhanjiang, Zhanjiang 524023, China
    4 Zhanjiang Engineering Research Center for Algae High-value Utilization, Zhanjiang 524023, China
    5 Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
  • Received:2025-02-18 Revised:2025-04-22 Online:2025-11-10 Published:2025-12-03
  • Contact: TAN Huaqiang. email: ;LUO Hui. email:
  • Supported by:
    Core Technology Research Project for Suitable Species of Modern Marine Ranch in Guangdong Province, China(2024-MRB-00-001); Science and Technology Program of Zhanjiang, China(2022A01207); Zhanjiang Marine Youth Talent Innovation Project, China(2023E0008); Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhanjiang) Project, China(ZJW-2023-12); Discipline Construction Project of Guangdong Medical University, China(4SG23009G); Discipline Construction Project of Guangdong Medical University, China(4SG22264G)

Abstract:

Zhanjiang, located in the South China Sea, is rich in seaweed resources. To clarify the species diversity of the genus Gracilaria in this region, this study conducted a taxonomic investigation of intertidal macroalgae in the coastal waters of Zhanjiang using morphological, anatomical, and molecular approaches. The findings revealed the presence of five species: Gracilaria hainanensis, G. spinulosa, G. salicornia, and two as-yet undescribed species (Gracilaria sp.). The current taxonomic status of these five species was discussed, and several existing issues and controversies within the classification system were revealed. This study not only clarifies the taxonomy of Gracilaria species in the Zhanjiang coastal area, but also provides a theoretical basis for the development of red algal resources and the conservation of biodiversity in this region.

Key words: Gracilariaceae, phylogenetic analysis, rbcL, diversity, cryptic species

CLC Number: 

  • Q949.29