The distribution and ecology of eight species of Gracilaria along the Kenyan coast were investigated. There was no clear trend in the north-south distribution of species, most members of the genus being widely distributed along the coast. Rocky platforms with the reef edge exposed to the open sea had a greater variety of species than either rocky platforms in sheltered areas or those associated with sandy beaches. The most common species was G. salicornia, followed by G. corticata and G. crassa. G. verrucosa, G. edulis and an undescribed species were less common, whereas G. miltardetii and G. fergusonii were rare. G. salicornia was present in all habitats examined, but the other species had a more restricted distribution. G. millardetii and G. edulis occurred only in the eulittoral, and G. verrucosa only in the sublittoral. The rest of the species were found in both zones. |
