Choreocolax polysiphoniae

Choreocolax polysiphoniae is a minute marine parasitic alga in the division Rhodophyta.

Choreocolax polysiphoniae
Cross section of Choreocolax polysiphoniae on epiphytic red algae Polysiphonia lanosa
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Clade:	Archaeplastida
Division:	Rhodophyta
Class:	Florideophyceae
Order:	Ceramiales
Family:	Choreocolacaceae
Genus:	Choreocolax
Species:	C. polysiphoniae
Binomial name
Choreocolax polysiphoniae Reinsch, 1875[1][2]

Description

This small parasitic alga grows on the red alga Polysiphonia lanosa. It grows as an irregular sphere on the fronds of the alga, reaching no more than 1 mm in extent.^[3][4][5]

Habitat

Parasitic on Polysiphonia lanosa, the filaments grow into the host.^[3]

Distribution

The species has been reported from North Russia and the Pacific.^[3] In Ireland it has been confidently recorded from counties Down, Antrim^[6] and Waterford^[7] and at scattered sites around the British Isles including the Shetland Islands.^[8]

Reproduction

Cruciate tetrasporangia are produced all year round in the cortex. The gametangial are dioecious and are produced in spring and summer.^[3]