Ecophysiological adaptations of two Mediterranean red algae in relation todistribution

Effects of irradiance and temperature on the Mediterranean red algae Eupogo don spinellus and Eupogodon planus were tested. Growth of both species was saturated at an irradiance of 10-20 mu mol m(-2) s(-1), which is in accorda nce with their sublittoral habitat. Eupogodon spinellus and E. planus survi ved permanently at temperatures between 8 and 30 degrees C. The temperature optimum for growth was 25 degrees C with suboptimal growth occurring at (1 0-)15 and 30 degrees C in both species. At their collection locality (Corsi ca), potential monthly growth yields would be highest in summer and in wint er would be only about 20% of the maximum. Reproductive requirements could be determined only in E. planus. Gametophytes reproduced both in long and i n short days but only at 20 degrees C. Tetrasporophytes reproduced at 15-20 degrees C but only in short days. Geographic distribution boundaries are n ot set by growth or survival limits. However, the reproductive requirements of E, planus did account for its restricted distribution in the Mediterran ean and on the Canary Islands.