DNA barcoding reveals multiple overlooked Australian species of the red algal order Rhodymeniales (Florideophyceae), with resurrection of Halopeltis J. Agardh and description of Pseudohalopeltis gen. nov.

A groundbreaking study using DNA barcoding has unveiled approximately 20 cryptic species of red algae within the order Rhodymeniales, significantly surpassing the previously recognized eight species. This research, conducted on southern Australian samples including those from Lord Howe Island Group, identified multiple new genera and species, such as Pseudohalopeltis tasmanensis and Microphyllum robustum, while also resurrecting the genus Halopeltis J.G. Agardh with six newly assigned species. The study employed phylogenetic analysis to assign genetic species groups to their respective genera based on molecular and anatomical signatures. Notably, samples from Lord Howe Island, initially field-identified as Rhodymenia or Fauchea spp., were reclassified, highlighting the importance of DNA barcoding in uncovering hidden biodiversity within UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Lord Howe Island Group.

Saunders, G. W., & McDonald, B. (2010). DNA barcoding reveals multiple overlooked Australian species of the red algal order Rhodymeniales (Florideophyceae), with resurrection of Halopeltis J. Agardh and description of Pseudohalopeltis gen. nov. Botany, 88(7), 639–667. https://doi.org/10.1139/b10-038