Distribution of benthic blue green algae in the coral reefs in Penang Island, Redang Marine Park

Abstract

A study on the benthic blue green algae in the coral reefs of Penang Island, Redang Marine Park was carried out once a month from July to October 2004. Blue green algae have generated much interest among the researchers for many years. However, little is known about these benthic algae in Malaysia. Hence, this study was mainly concerned on the taxonomic study of the blue greens and to explore their natural distrihution in the corals reefs associated with other seaweeds in Penang Island. The relationship of the nutrient (ammonium, nitrite, orthophosphate and nitrate) concentrations with the distribution of the cyanophyta was also determined.