01-05 December 2025
INCOIS, Hyderabad, India.
| Abstract Submission No. | ABS-09-0027 |
| Title of Abstract | Morpho-anatomical, and molecular characterization of red algae (Rhodophyta) from the intertidal rocky shore of Visakhapatnam coast of Bay of Bengal, India. |
| Authors | A. Sakshi Rao*, Swathi Pattigundla, Rama Ravi Teja Kosuri, Brajogopal Samanta |
| Organisation | GITAM University |
| Address | Kokila Sadan - Girls Hostel, Rushikonda, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India Pincode: 530045 E-mail: srao9@gitam.in |
| Country | India |
| Presentation | Oral |
| Abstract | Morpho-anatomical and molecular characterisation of red algae (Rhodophyta) from the intertidal rocky shore of Visakhapatnam coast of Bay of Bengal, India A. Sakshi Rao, Swathi Pattigundla, Rama Ravi Teja Kosuri, Brajogopal Samanta Department of Life Sciences (Microbiology and FST), GITAM School of Science, GITAM (Deemed to be University), Rushikonda, Visakhapatnam-530045, Andhra Pradesh, India. Email: srao9@gitam.in Abstract: The Indian Ocean, particularly the Bay of Bengal coast, remains underexplored in terms of its marine biodiversity, especially macroalgal communities, which are crucial indicators of coastal ecosystem health. In the present study, we conducted a detailed survey of red algal diversity along the intertidal rocky shores of the Visakhapatnam coast, eastern India, using an integrated taxonomic approach that combined morphological, anatomical, and molecular tools. Phylogenetic analyses were based on multiple genetic markers, including SSU rDNA, rbcL, and COI, to ensure accurate species delineation. We successfully identified nine red algal species from the study area. Notably, seven of these species represent new records for the region, highlighting the hidden diversity of macroalgae in this stretch of the Bay of Bengal. These include Centroceras gasparrinii, Gelidium nayaritense, Pterocladiella bartlettii, Hypnea charoides, Hypnea cf. edeniana, Gracilaria multifurcata, and Gracilaria rangiferina. Among these, P. bartlettii, G. multifurcata, and G. rangiferina were newly reported from the Bay of Bengal coast, while H. cf. edeniana and G. nayaritense were recorded for the first time in the Indian Ocean region. These findings offer key biogeographical insights and help fill knowledge gaps in Indian Ocean seabed mapping. Discovering new regional and oceanic records within a limited survey suggests high, undocumented red algae diversity in intertidal ecosystems. Reference: Rao, A.S., Pattigundla, S., Kosuri, R.R.T., Samanta, B., 2025. New records of red algae (Rhodophyta) from the intertidal rocky shore of Visakhapatnam coast of Bay of Bengal, India. Aquatic Botany. 199: 103883. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquabot.2025.103883 |
| Are you part of IIOE-2 endorsed project | no |
| Keywords | Indian ocean, Bay of Bengal, Algal diversity, Taxonomy, Rhodophyta |
| For Awards | no |