Updated List And New Records Of Red Algae (Rhodophyta) From The Coast Of Michoacan, Mexico

Red algae recorded in the literature from the coast of Michoacan were extensively reviewed. Additionally, these data were supplemented with sampling in 12 localities from 2006 to 2014. A total of 124 taxones of red algae (121 species, 2 varieties and 1 form) were determined; from these, 54 were new records from Michoacan, being Neogoniolithon megalocystum y Ophidocladus simpliciusculus new records for the Pacific coast of Mexico. The family Rhodomelaceae was the best represented with 18 taxones, followed by Ceramiaceae with 13. The 54 new records added to the 112 previous records in the study area, increased the number of Rhodophyta from Michoacan to 166 taxones. The floristic list is accompanied by data of presence, seasonality, reproduction, habitat and bibliographic references. Most of the Rhodophyta of Michoacan is of tropical affinity, and taxones from temperate regions are also found. Species diversity was compared between the rainy and dry seasons, the greatest diversity was found during the dry season. The coast of Michoacan has the highest specific richness of Rhodophyta compared to other states such as Nayarit, Colima, Jalisco, Guerrero, Oaxaca and Chiapas.