Hard bottom macroalgae communities: spatial distribution in the reef lagoon of Chinchorro Bank, Mexico

Abstract

Hard-bottom macroalgae were analyzed in 17 sites of the reef lagoon of Chinchorro Bank Biosphere Reserve. 36 species were recorded. Canistrocarpus cervicornis was the dominant species. The diversity intervals were between 1.5 and 3.31 bits·ind^-1, the most diverse area was in the southern part of the lagoon where there was a greater presence of coral substrates. The similarity of the sites obtained with the Morisita index, presents diverse and heterogeneous groups that typify specific areas within the reef lagoon, mainly those near windward. Canonical analysis shows the dependence of sites on environmental factors; However, salinity and surface temperature are restrictive for hard-bottom algae. There is a high correlation greater than 0.9 between the environmental parameters and the first three main components of the system.