Mediterranean invasive species factsheet

www.iucn-medmis.org

Species report Acrothamnion preissii

AFFILIATION ALGAE

SCIENTIFIC NAME AND COMMON NAME REPORTS

Acrothamnion preissii 11

Key Identifying Features gland cells, observed at the end of most

branches, are transversely ovoid, 16–22 µm in
Clumps of loose algae, rose-red in colour and diameter.
highly branched, 0.5–1.5 cm long, forming dense
monospecific mats up to 1 cm thick. The thallus
is attached to the substrate or other algae by
rhizoids.

The species can only be identified under a

binocular microscope. Consequently, accurate
identification might need to be checked by a
specialist in this group.

Central cells are cylindrical, without cortication;

main branches measure 150–300 µm long and
40–60 µm wide. In general, each central cell
produces 3–4 lateral branches distally. Terminal

2013-2022 © IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation. More info: www.iucn-medmis.org Pag. 1/5

Identification and Habitat
Often found as an epiphyte on sea grasses such
as Posidonia oceanica or various algae, from
shallow subtidal zones to depths of nearly 40 m.
As an invasive species, it forms dense
cotton-wool-like tufts, mostly in dim light
conditions (i.e. on Posidonia oceanica rhizomes,
in maerl beds, or in cave entrances and
crevices).
Reproduction
In the Mediterranean Sea only vegetative
reproduction is known and no fertile specimens
have been found.
Similar Species
Although it can easily be confused with other
filamentous red algae (i.e. Womersleyella
setacea) when directly observed in the field, the
presence of terminal gland cells at the end of
most branches is a useful character for
identifying Acrothamnion preissii.
2013-2022 © IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation. More info: www.iucn-medmis.org
Mediterranean invasive species factsheet
www.iucn-medmis.org
Other species that look similar
History and Route of
Introduction
An Indo-Pacific species native to Western
Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Japan
that has probably been introduced into Europe
by maritime transport (on ship hulls). At present,
it is mainly distributed in the north-western
Mediterranean, forming invasive populations in
France, Italy, Monaco and Spain.
Ecological Impacts
Ecological impacts of the red alga Acrothamnion
preissii are still largely unknown but, when
invasive, it becomes dominant outcompeting or
replacing most native algal species.
Economic Impacts
Unknown.
Pag. 2/5
 Mediterranean invasive species factsheet
www.iucn-medmis.org

Management Options
Once it has become invasive, eradication and
even containment are not possible. The species
might be controlled most efficiently and
effectively, and at the lowest cost, early in the
invasive process.

Further Reading
Ferrer, E., et al. 1994. The spread of
Acrothamnion preissii (Sonder) Wollaston
(Rhodophyta , Ceramiaceae) in the
Mediterranean Sea: New record from the
Balearic Islands. Fl. Medit. 4, 163-166.

Klein, J.C. & Verlaque, M., 2011. Macroalgae

newly recorded, rare or introduced to the French
Mediterranean coast. Cryptogamie Algologie
31(2), 111-130.

Piazzi,l. & F. Cinelli., 2000. Effects of expansion

of introduced Rhodophyceae Acrothamnion
preisii and Womersleyella setacea on the algal
communites of Posidonia oceanica rhizomes in
the western Mediterranean. Cryptogam. Algol.,
21(3): 291-300.

2013-2022 © IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation. More info: www.iucn-medmis.org Pag. 3/5
 Mediterranean invasive species factsheet
www.iucn-medmis.org

Map of sightings of the species Acrothamnion preissii

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Algeria Map data ©2022 GeoBasis-DE/BKG (©2009), Google, lnst. Geogr. Nacional

Legend

• Algae • Angiosperm • Cnidarians Centre for Mediterranean

IUCN
• Molluscs • Crustaceans • Ascidians Cooperation
Combjellies /
• Ctenophores
• Fishes

More Information: Guide and reports platform for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the Mediterranean.
www.iucn-medmis.org

2013-2022 © IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation. More info: www.iucn-medmis.org Pag. 4/5
 Mediterranean invasive species factsheet
www.iucn-medmis.org

MPAs, Country Date Density Measure

Bahia de Palma, Spain Before 2013 -- --

Llevant de Mallorca (Cala Ratjada), Spain Before 2013 -- --

S'Albufera des Grau, Spain Before 2013 -- --

Illes Malgrats, Spain Before 2013 -- --

Migjorn de Mallorca, Spain Before 2013 -- --

Sur Menorca, Spain Before 2013 -- --

Es Vedrá, Spain Before 2013 -- --

Norte de Menorca, Spain Before 2013 -- --

Marine Area in the Northeast Malta, Malta 26/01/2014 -- --

Marine Area in the limits of Dwejra, Malta 26/01/2014 -- --

-- Before 2013 -- --

How to cite this tab:

Acrothamnion preissii - Invasive Alien Species Fact Sheet for Mediterranean Network of MPAs. From Online
Database MedMIS (IUCN Center for Mediterranean Cooperation, Download date 21/03/2022.

More information about this species from: Otero, M., Cebrian, E., Francour, P., Galil, B., Savini, D. 2013. Monitoring
Marine Invasive Species in Mediterranean Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): A strategy and practical guide for
managers. Malaga, Spain: IUCN. 136 pages www.iucn.org/dbtw-wpd/edocs/2013-008-Es.pdf .

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