Colonization and growth of crustose coralline algae (Corallinales, Rhodophyta) on the Rocas Atoll

摘要: Crustose coralline algae play a fundamental role in reef construction all over the world. The aims fo this study were to identify and estimate abundance of dominant crustose shallow habitats, measuring their colonization, growth rates productivity. Crusts sampled from different habitats collected on leeward windward reefs. Discs made epoxy putty fixed surface follow colonization discs containing measure crusts' marginal growth. primary production experiments followed clear dark bottle method for dissolved oxygen reading. Porolithon pachydermum was confirmed as alga Rocas Atoll. non-cryptic flat form P. showed faster rate than reef. This also had crest (0.05 mm.day-1) (0.01 mm.day-1). cryptic protuberant trend, though not significant, towards tidal pools flat. Colonization was, general, very slow compared that presented by other studies. productive crust both habitats.