Caulerpa peltata J.V.Lamouroux 1809

Publication Details
Caulerpa peltata J.V.Lamouroux 1809: 332

Published in: Lamouroux, J.V.F. (1809). Observations sur la physiologie des algues marines, et description de cinq nouveaux genres de cette famille. Nouveau Bulletin des Sciences, par la Société Philomathique de Paris 1: 330-333, fig. 2, pl. 6.

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Publication date: May 2009

Type Species
The type species (lectotype) of the genus Caulerpa is Caulerpa prolifera (Forsskål) J.V.Lamouroux.

Status of Name
This name is currently regarded as a synonym of Caulerpa chemnitzia (Esper) J.V.Lamouroux.

Source of Synonymy
Belton, G.S., Prud'homme van Reine, W.F., Huisman, J.M., Draisma, S.G.A. & Gurgel, C.F.D. (2014). Resolving phenotypic plasticity and species designation in the morphology challenging Caulerpa racemosa-peltata complex (Caulerpaceae, Chlorophyta). Journal of Phycology 50(1): 32-54.

Type Information
Type locality: "Hab. in Antillis" [Antilles, West Indies]; (Lamouroux 1809: 332)

Origin of Species Name
Adjective (Latin), target-shaped.

General Environment
This is a marine species.

Created: 26 December 1998 by M.D. Guiry.

Last updated: 08 March 2023

Verification of Data
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Taxonomic notes
According to Silva et al. (1996) the name Caulerpa occidentalis has been misapplied to this species by Jaasund (1976: 25, fig. 52), Jaasund (1977a: 334), Jaasund (1977d: 513) and Lawson (1980: 5). According to South & Skelton (2003), Caulerpa racemosa (Forsskål) J. Agardh var. laetevirens formae are considered within the circumscription of Caulerpa peltata but have not yet been transferred or reduced to synonymy (Silva et al. 1996). Lipkin & Silva (2002: 64) reject the conclusions of Eubank (1946), followed by some authors (e.g., South & Skelton (2003), that this entity should be referred to Caulerpa racemosa as a variety. - (11 May 2006) - G.M. Guiry
See Silva et al. (1996: 829, 830) for discussion on status of C. peltata / C. racemosa var. peltata. Dawes & Mathieson (2008) cite C. peltata as a synonym of C. racemosa var. peltata but see p. 74 for views of various authors. Verlaque et al. (2003: 336) consider resolution of the taxonomic status of C racemosa var. peltata and var. laetevirens requires further studies before following Silva et al.'s (1996) conclusion that C. racemosa var. peltata should be treated as a separate species (C. peltata) with C. laetevirens as a synonym. - (29 June 2012) - G.M. Guiry

Habitat note
Widespread in tropical and subtropical seas. On Tridacna shell at 3 m depth; 1-2 m depth; in shaded habitats, such as caves and overhangs, attached to rock (Lipkin & Silva 2002). - (22 June 2010) - G.M. Guiry

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Citing AlgaeBase
Cite this record as:
M.D. Guiry in Guiry, M.D. & Guiry, G.M. 08 March 2023. AlgaeBase. World-wide electronic publication, National University of Ireland, Galway. https://www.algaebase.org; searched on 29 March 2025

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