Diversity of Gracilariaceae (Gracilariales, Rhodophyta) Across Distinct Ecosystems in Zhanjiang, China: A Foundation for Screening Potential Cultivable Species in Southern China.

ABSTRACT: This study was conducted to assess the diversity of Gracilariaceae species across various coastal ecosystems in Zhanjiang, Guangdong Province, China, and identify species suitable for large-scale cultivation in the southern coastal waters of China. The diversity and seasonal and spatial distribution patterns of Gracilariaceae species in different ecosystems were systematically analyzed, and taxonomic studies were performed on species with disputed taxonomic identities using morphological and multi-gene marker techniques to clarify their classification status. Species richness was higher, but individual species coverage was lower in open ecosystems (e.g., tidal pools) compared to enclosed ecosystems (e.g., mangroves, seagrass beds, saltwater ponds), and both factors showed significant seaso

SUBMITTER: Zeng Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12240597 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature