Fragmentation and ball-like forms of Chaetomorpha linum (Cladophorales, Chlorophyta) in the Mar Piccolo of Taranto

Chaetomorpha linum, dominant in the unattached seaweed communities of the Mar Piccolo of Taranto (Mediterranean Sea), mostly reproduces by thallus fragmentation. Occasionally, fragments give rise to ball-like forms letting this species to overcome environmental unfavourable conditions by a self-protection mechanism of fragments themselves, which are able to give rise to new thalli.