Discovery of the Rare Freshwater Brown AlgaPleurocladialacustris(Ectocarpales, Phaeophyceae) in California Streams

Benthic soft-bodied algae as bioindicators of stream water quality

“…Qualitative analysis of additional fresh samples is an important step for identifying macroalgae, because large amount of algal material is observed including reproductive structures. Fresh samples allow isolation, culturing and molecular studies on species of interest, such as taxonomically problematic genera (e.g., Zygnema and Spirogyra (Stancheva et al, 2012c(Stancheva et al, , 2013a, rare, sensitive and potentially endemic species (Wehr et al, 2013), or nuisance algae and harmful cyanobacteria (Fetscher et al, 2015). This methodology, although time-consuming, enhances the power of water-quality assessments by better knowledge of local algal flora .…”

“…In addition, algal-nutrient interactions are discussed in the light of their bioindicator potential. Examples are included from our research experience incorporating soft-bodied algae in stream bioassessment in California as part of the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program of the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWAMP, http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_ issues/programs/swamp/) (Stancheva et al, 2012a(Stancheva et al, ,b, 2013a(Stancheva et al, ,b, 2014Fetscher et al, 2013Fetscher et al, -2015Wehr et al, 2013).…”

Brown Algae

“…(A) Uniseriate, branched filaments forming cushion-like tufts (e.g., Pleurocladia). The macroscopic color varies from brown to pale tan or gray, depending on the quantity of carbonate co-precipitation (Schloesser and Blum, 1980;Kusel-Fetzmann, 1996;Wehr et al, 2013). (C) Multiseriate branched filaments, forming spreading cushions (e.g., Sphacelaria).…”

“…While experimental data are lacking, reports suggest that the growth of Heribaudiella fluviatilis, Pleurocladia lacustris, and Sphacelaria fluviatilis may be greatest in flowing waters (Jao, 1943;Kann, 1978a;Wehr and Stein, 1985;Kusel-Fetzmann, 1996). Among all phaeophyte species that occur in running waters, nearly all reports describe rocky, clear-water streams and rivers (Budde, 1927;Fritsch, 1929;Allorge and Manguin, 1941;Jao, 1941;Chadefaud, 1950;Whitton, 1975, 1977a;Kann, 1966;1978a,b;Wehr and Stein, 1985;Kusel-Fetzmann, 1996;Wehr and Perrone, 2003;Wehr et al, 2013) and very few turbid or muddy habitats . Among all phaeophyte species that occur in running waters, nearly all reports describe rocky, clear-water streams and rivers (Budde, 1927;Fritsch, 1929;Allorge and Manguin, 1941;Jao, 1941;Chadefaud, 1950;Whitton, 1975, 1977a;Kann, 1966;1978a,b;Wehr and Stein, 1985;Kusel-Fetzmann, 1996;Wehr and Perrone, 2003;Wehr et al, 2013) and very few turbid or muddy habitats .…”

“…basal or prostrate filaments, which produce an upright series of densely packed, vertical filaments ( Figure 2B), forming a crustose morphology; and (3) creeping and erect uniseriate filaments that later expand laterally to develop multiseriate filaments ( Figure 2C), which may have alternate or opposite branching. Filaments of all freshwater species have been observed forming elongate, hyaline, multicellular filaments or hairs Müller and Geller, 1978;Dop, 1979;Schloesser and Blum, 1980;Yoshizaki et al, 1984;Kusel-Fetzmann, 1996;Wujek et al, 1996;Wehr et al, 2013). The hairs may far exceed the length of the vegetative filaments ( Figure 3A) and can become so profuse that they can be seen macroscopically ( Figure 3B).…”