Spatial and temporal variation of populations of Hypnea musciformis (Rhodophyta, Gigartinales) in the Sepetiba bay and "Armação dos Búzios", RJ, Brazil

Three populations of H. musciformis were analyzed throughout Rio de Janeiro State; two sublittoral epiphytic populations located in the Sepetiba bay (Mangaratiba municipality), and one intertidal epilithic population on the shore facing the open sea (Rasa beach, Armação dos Búzios municipality). These populations were analyzed for seasonality in biomass production, the accompanying flora species, and the possible interactions with some environmental factors. The biomass production of H. musciformis was different at each site, water movement, sunlight, accompanying flora, and the relation between the epiphyte and host, Sargassum spp., caused different effects on biomass production in different populations.

Hypnea musciformis; carragenophyte; seasonality; biomass