Red Asparagus Algae

Asparagopsis taxiformis (Delile) Trevisan

Asparagopsis taxiformis (Delile) Trevisan, 1845:45.

Widespread in tropical waters, this species had previously been encountered in the Gulf from Bahía Tepoca to Punta Frailes (Dawson, 1953). Recent material extends the known distribution in the Gulf. Collections at Rocas Consag (lat. 31°06′54″, long. 114°29′00″), 7.6 m depth, 2 Jun 1972, JN-3113 (US, GMS, UC), (leg. D. Lindquist) extend the range northward, and specimens from Cabeza Ballena (lat. 22°53′12″, long. 109°50′30″), 3.3–4.5 m depth, 2 Jan 1973, JN-4090 (US, GMS) and JN-4121 (US, UC), (leg. JN, KB, and H. Sleeper) represent a slight southward extension.

Further R/V Dolphin collections within this extended range include: Punta Willard, Bahía San Luis Gonzaga, 3.3 m depth, 20 Apr 1974, JN-5401 (US, UC, GMS), (leg. JN and KB); east end of Isla Mejía, 15 m depth, 23 Apr 1974, JN-5675 (US), (leg. JN); off west side of Roca Blanca, Puerto Refugio, Isla Angel de la Guarda, 9 m depth, 21 Apr 1974, JN-5296 (US), (leg. JN, J. Paul and K. Robertson); south end of Isla Estanque, 6.1 m depth, 27 Apr 1974, JN-5485 (US, UC), (leg. JN and KB); and Punta La Gringa, Bahía de Los Angeles, 7.6 m depth, 28 Apr 1974, JN-5474 (US), (leg. JN and KB).

Abbott and Williamson (1974) have noted that this species is the favorite edible seaweed of the Hawaiians. In the Gulf this plant has been found to contain some interesting polyhaloketones (Fenical, 1974).