Generic Addition to the Freshwater Red Algal Flora of India from Arunachal Pradesh

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the diversity and distribution of freshwater red algae (FWRA) in Arunachal Pradesh, contributing to a broader understanding of Indian algal flora. A review of available literature revealed no existing records of FWRA from this region, prompting an extensive survey in April 2024. Algal samples were collected from various habitats, and microscopic and morphological characteristics were examined using standard monographs and research articles. The survey identified three genera belonging to three families such as Audouinellaceae, Thoreaceae, and Compsopogonaceae. While Audouinellaceae and Compsopogonaceae have been recorded from multiple locations across India, Thoreaceae has comparatively fewer reports. Significantly, Nemalionopsis Skuja from the family Thoreaceae is reported for the first time in the algal flora of India from Arunachal Pradesh. Additionally, the genera Audouinella Bory and Compsopogon Montagne are newly recorded to algal flora of Arunachal Pradesh. These findings highlight the rich yet previously undocumented diversity of red algae in Arunachal Pradesh, contributing valuable data to the broader understanding of algal distribution across India. This study provides detailed descriptions of all identified species, supplemented with photomicrographs and a distribution map.