A contaminant DNA barcode sequence reveals a new red algal order, Corynodactylales (Nemaliophycidae, Florideophyceae)

摘要

Routine DNA barcode surveys of red algae can occasionally yield contaminant sequences owing to the diverse epi/endo flora and fauna that can inhabit these species. Often discarded as nuisance data, further exploration in this study led to the discovery of an unusual red alga with a highly characteristic vegetative development in which the diminutive primary vegetative filaments are terminated by distinctive monosporangia. This entity is described here as Corynodactylus rejiciendus G.W. Saunders gen. et sp. nov. Generating genomic data from the host and associated epiphytic flora, and subsequently subtracting out genes of the former, facilitated a multigene phylogenetic analysis supporting recognition of Corynodactylaceae fam. nov. and Corynodactylales ord. nov. as a distant sister to the order Balliales in the subclass Nemaliophycidae.