| Acanthophora spicifera | |
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| Spiny algae (Acanthophora spicifera) at Waikiki Beach. | |
Scientific classification  | |
| (unranked): | Archaeplastida |
| Division: | Rhodophyta |
| Class: | Florideophyceae |
| Order: | Ceramiales |
| Family: | Rhodomelaceae |
| Genus: | Acanthophora |
| Species: | A. spicifera |
| Binomial name | |
| Acanthophora spicifera | |
Acanthophora spicifera is a species of marine red algae in the family Rhodomelaceae.
The geographical distribution of Acanthophora spicifera includes:
Acanthophora spicifera is one of the most common nonindigenous algal species in Hawaii and it displaces many native species where it is abundant. [1]
The success of Acanthophora spicifera in invading benthic habitats is attributed to: (1) its ability to reproduce both sexually and vegetatively (by fragmentation); (2) successful epiphytism; and (3) its adaptability to a wide range of hydrological conditions. [1] Rapid recolonization is probably due to the ability of Acanthophora spicifera to regrow from even small amounts of residual tissue and the high rate of reproduction. [1]
Algal abundance is influenced by both nutrient availability and herbivory. [1] The combination of high nutrient concentration and low herbivory, as in Kaloko Fishpond, promotes greater increases in algal abundance than an increase in nutrients alone. [1] Herbivory, therefore, appears to play an important role in preventing tropical macroalgal growth. [1]
Acanthophora spicifera is a palatable and highly preferred food for herbivorous fishes in Hawai‘i and has been found in the mouths of green sea turtles. [1]
Acanthophora spicifera is a very difficult alga to eradicate, but controlling its spread and density may be feasible. [1] A range of approaches was assessed to control this invasive alga in Kaloko Fishpond in Hawaii. Removal techniques were labor-intensive and had limited effect. All experiments showed a substantial initial decrease in algal density, but the long-term effect was minimal because of rapid regrowth. The most promising removal method was the use of submerged shelters to raise local densities of herbivorous fishes. Fishes grazed the alga and quickly reduced the biomass. However, the large number of predators and absence of topographical structure will make it challenging to provide sufficient shelters to increase the herbivorous fish population (biocontrol) in the entire fishpond. [1]
It has been proved by research workers that Acanthophora spicifera has significant cytotoxicity.
Algae is an informal term for a large and diverse group of photosynthetic, eukaryotic organisms. It is a polyphyletic grouping that includes species from multiple distinct clades. Included organisms range from unicellular microalgae, such as Chlorella, Prototheca and the diatoms, to multicellular forms, such as the giant kelp, a large brown alga which may grow up to 50 metres (160 ft) in length. Most are aquatic and lack many of the distinct cell and tissue types, such as stomata, xylem and phloem that are found in land plants. The largest and most complex marine algae are called seaweeds, while the most complex freshwater forms are the Charophyta, a division of green algae which includes, for example, Spirogyra and stoneworts. Algae that are carried by water are plankton, specifically phytoplankton.
The Houtman Abrolhos is a chain of 122 islands and associated coral reefs, in the Indian Ocean off the west coast of Australia, about 80 kilometres (50 mi) west of Geraldton, Western Australia. It is the southernmost true coral reef in the Indian Ocean, and one of the highest latitude reef systems in the world. It is one of the world's most important seabird breeding sites, and is the centre of Western Australia's largest single-species fishery, the western rock lobster fishery. It has a small seasonal population of fishermen, and a limited number of tourists are permitted for day trips, but most of the land area is off limits as conservation habitat. It is well known as the site of numerous shipwrecks, the most famous being two Dutch ships: Batavia, which was wrecked in 1629, and Zeewijk, wrecked in 1727.
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The yellow tang, also known as the lemon sailfin, yellow sailfin tang or somber surgeonfish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Acanthuridae which includes the surgeonfishes, unicornfishes and tangs. It is one of the most popular marine aquarium fish. It is bright yellow in color, and it lives in reefs. The yellow tang spawn around a full moon. The yellow tang eats algae. The yellow tang has a white barb, located just before the tail fin, to protect itself.
Kelp forests are underwater areas with a high density of kelp, which covers a large part of the world's coastlines. Smaller areas of anchored kelp are called kelp beds. They are recognized as one of the most productive and dynamic ecosystems on Earth. Although algal kelp forest combined with coral reefs only cover 0.1% of Earth's total surface, they account for 0.9% of global primary productivity. Kelp forests occur worldwide throughout temperate and polar coastal oceans. In 2007, kelp forests were also discovered in tropical waters near Ecuador.
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Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park is a United States National Historical Park located in the Kona District on the Big island of Hawaiʻi in the U.S. state of Hawaiʻi. It includes the National Historic Landmarked archaeological site known as the Honokōhau Settlement. The park was established on November 10, 1978, for the preservation, protection and interpretation of traditional native Hawaiian activities and culture.
Prymnesium parvum is a species of haptophyte. The species is of concern because of its ability to produce the phycotoxin prymnesin. It is a flagellated alga that is normally found suspended in the water column. It was first identified in North America in 1985, but it is not known if it was introduced artificially or missed in previous surveys. Toxin production mainly kills fish and appears to have little effect on cattle or humans. This distinguishes it from a red tide, which is an algal bloom whose toxins lead to harmful effects in people. Although no harmful effects are known, it is recommended not to consume dead or dying fish exposed to a P. parvum bloom.
Sicyopterus stimpsoni, commonly known as the Nopoli rockclimbing goby, oopu nopili, or Stimpson's goby, is a species of amphidromous goby endemic to Hawaii. This species can reach a length of 19.8 centimetres (7.8 in) SL.
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Lobophora variegata is a species of small thalloid brown alga which grows intertidally or in shallow water in tropical and warm temperate seas. It has three basic forms, being sometimes ruffled, sometimes reclining and sometimes encrusting, and each form is typically found in a different habitat. This seaweed occurs worldwide. It is the type species of the genus Lobophora, the type locality being the Antilles in the West Indies.
Chlorurus perspicillatus, known officially by the English name, spectacled parrotfish, given by professional ichthyologists and Ichthyology or uhu-uliuli as a well-established Hawaiian name for many hundreds of years, is a species of marine fish in the family Scaridae. Found only in the Eastern Central Pacific Hawaiian Islands, it inhabits lagoons and seaward reefs
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Gracilaria parvispora, also known by the common names long ogo, red ogo, or simply ogo, is a large species of marine red alga in the genus Gracilaria, endemic to Hawaii. It is highly sought after as an edible seaweed and is popular in mariculture and the marine aquarium trade. Also known as limu ogo in Hawaiian.
Heʻeia Fishpond is an ancient Hawaiian fishpond located at Heʻeia on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. A walled coastal pond, it is the only Hawaiian fishpond fully encircled by a wall. Constructed sometime between the early 1200s and early 1400s, it was badly damaged by a 1965 flood and fell into disrepair. A protected area, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1973. An effort begun in 1988 is underway to restore the fishpond as a fishery, cultural, scientific, and educational resource.
Jennifer E. Smith is an American marine ecologist and coral reef expert who works at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Her research investigates how physical and biological processes impact the function of marine communities.
This article incorporates public domain text from the reference. [1]
Weijerman M., Most R., Wong K. & Beavers S. (2008). "Attempt to Control the Invasive Red Alga Acanthophora spicifera (Rhodophyta: Ceramiales) in a Hawaiian Fishpond: An Assessment of Removal Techniques and Management Options". Pacific Science 62(4): 517-532. doi : 10.2984/1534-6188(2008)62[517:ATCTIR 2.0.CO;2]. PDF.| Authority control databases: National |
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