View source for Gracilaria parvispora

{{Short description|Species of rhodophyte red alga}}
{{Speciesbox
|image = Gracilaria parvispora.jpg
|image_caption = ''Gracilaria&nbsp;parvispora'' in a planted [[marine aquarium]]
|genus = Gracilaria
|species = parvispora
|authority = [[Isabella Abbott|I.A.Abbott]], 1985
}}
{{Commons category|Gracilaria parvispora}}

'''''Gracilaria parvispora''''', also known by the common names '''long ogo''',<ref name=Arizona>{{cite web|url=https://ag.arizona.edu/azaqua/ogo.htm|title=''Productivity of Long Ogo (Gracilaria parvispora) in Floating Cages'' |publisher=ARIZONA AQUACULTURE|access-date=April 13, 2022}}</ref> '''red ogo''',<ref name=algaebarn>{{cite web|url=https://www.algaebarn.com/shop/macroalgae/red-ogo/|title=''RED OGO'' |publisher=AlgaeBarn|access-date=April 13, 2022}}</ref> or simply '''ogo''',<ref name=marineplantbook>{{cite web|url=https://www.marineplantbook.com/marinebookgracilariaparvis.htm|title=''GRACILARIA PARVISIPORA'' |publisher=Marine Plants in The Aquarium|access-date=April 13, 2022}}</ref> is a large species of marine [[red alga]] in the genus ''[[Gracilaria]]'', [[Endemism|endemic]] to [[Hawaii]]. It is highly sought after as an [[edible seaweed]] and is popular in [[mariculture]] and the [[Marine aquarium|marine aquarium trade]]. Also known as '''limu ogo''' in [[Hawaiian language|Hawaiian]].<ref name=base>[[AlgaeBase]]: [https://www.algaebase.org/search/species/detail/?species_id=21203]</ref>

==Description==
[[Image:Gracilaria parvispora refugium.jpg|thumb|left|''Gracilaria parvispora'' in a [[Refugium (fishkeeping)|refugium]], displaying dark coloration under high intensity lighting.]]
''Gracilaria parvispora'' is composed of pointed, cylindrical branches, {{convert|1 - 4|mm|in|1|abbr=on|sortable=on}} in diameter, extending from a central axis, {{convert|0.8 - 3.5|mm|in|1|abbr=on|sortable=on}} in diameter, with a single [[Holdfast (biology)|holdfast]]. Individuals reach lengths upwards of {{convert|60|cm|in|1|abbr=on|sortable=on}}. As with other species of ''[[Gracilaria]]'', ''Gracilaria parvispora'' can be highly variable based on environmental conditions. Though generally red in coloration, it may also be yellow, brown, green, white, and black depending on sunlight, water flow, and depth. The branching of the central axis is also variable, with individuals generally, though not always, displaying three orders of branching and lower water flow and salinity bringing out denser branch growth.<ref name=marineplantbook /><ref name=Hawaii>{{cite web|url=https://www.hawaii.edu/reefalgae/invasive_algae/rhodo/gracilaria_parvispora.htm|title=''Gracilaria parvispora (ogo)'' |publisher=Marine Algae of Hawaiʻi|access-date=April 13, 2022}}</ref>

Large, thick-walled medullary cells grade down to {{convert|90 - 150|mm|in|1|abbr=on|sortable=on}} in diameter, giving way to a subcortex 1-2 cells thick and a 1-layered cortex in this species. [[Tetrasporangia]] ({{convert|16 x 26|mm|in|1|abbr=on|sortable=on}}) are scattered and often pear-shaped. [[Spermatangia]] take the form of dimples with modified surrounding cells. [[Cystocarps]] are {{convert|2-3|mm|in|1|abbr=on|sortable=on}} in diameter and are only partially filled by a small internal [[spore]] mass. [[Gonimoblast]] tissue is thin-walled. Tubular nutritive cells and lateral and vertical [[pit connection]]s of the [[pericarp]] are conspicuous; the pericarp contents are star-shaped.<ref name=Hawaii />

==Distribution==
===Natural distribution===
''Gracilaria parvispora'' is [[Endemism|endemic]] to [[Hawaii]], with localized distribution around the islands of [[Oahu]] and [[Molokai]]. It can be found in [[Kāneʻohe Bay]], [[Salt Lake, Hawaii|Ke’ehi Lagoon]], [[ʻEwa Beach, Hawaii|One’ula Beach]], and [[ʻEwa Beach, Hawaii|‘Ewa Beach]] and at [[Hauʻula, Hawaii|Hau’ula]], [[Coconut Island (Oahu Island)|Coconut Island]], and the [[Hawaii Pacific University|Oceanic Institute of Hawaii Pacific University]].<ref name=Hawaii /> Populations of ''Gracilaria parvispora'' in Molokai are the result of experimental [[Transplanting|outplantings]] of [[spore]]-bearing gravel, introduced between 1983 and 1985 east of [[Kaunakakai]].<ref name=Arizona />

It is hypothesized that ''Gracilaria parvispora'' is native to [[Asia]] and was later introduced to Hawaii for [[Seaweed farming|cultivation]], though there is no actual evidence. ''Gracilaria parvispora'' may have also been a narrow endemic to the islands until its range was expanded by [[aquaculture]]. Occurrences of ''[[Gracilaria bursa-pastoris]]'' from [[Korea]] and [[Japan]] may actually represent a misidentification of ''Gracilaria parvispora''.<ref name=sur>{{Cite journal|last1=Krueger-Hadfield|first1=Stacy A|last2=Carmona|first2=Gustavo Hernández|last3=Terada|first3=Ryuta|last4=López-Vivas|first4=Juan Manuel|last5=Riosmena-Rodríguez|first5=Rafael|date=2016-11-01|title=New Record of the non-Native Seaweed Gracilaria parvispora in Baja California - A Note on Vergara-Rodarte et al. (2016)|url=http://www.bashanfoundation.org/contributions/Hernandez-G/2016.-Hernandez-CA.pdf|journal=Cryptogamie, Algologie|volume=37|issue=4|pages=257–263|doi=10.7872/crya/v37.iss4.2016.257|s2cid=89243720|issn=0181-1568}}</ref>

===Presence in Baja California Sur===
''Gracilaria parvispora'' is an [[introduced species]] in [[Baja California Sur]] and has been found in [[San Ignacio Lagoon]], [[San Buto]], [[San Juan de la Costa, Mexico|San Juan de la Costa]], and [[La Concha Beach]]. The alga's current distribution in the eastern [[Pacific Ocean]] and its impacts on native [[biodiversity]] remain relatively unknown.<ref name=sur />

==Ecology==
''Gracilaria parvispora'' inhabits [[reef flats]] and areas with sand-coated rocky substrate. It is tolerant of a wide range of environmental conditions, preferring nutrient rich water, moderate to high lighting and current, [[dKH]] between 8 and 12, [[pH]] between 8.1 and 8.4, water [[salinity]] between 1.010 and 1.025 [[specific gravity|SG]], water temperature between {{convert|22 and 28|C|F|1|abbr=on|sortable=on}}, [[calcium]] between 390 and 440 ppm, [[magnesium]] between 1,200 and 1,400 ppm, [[phosphate]] between 0.01 and 0.1 ppm, and [[nitrate]] between 1 and 20 ppm.<ref name=algaebarn /><ref name=marineplantbook /><ref name=Hawaii /><ref name=builder>{{cite web|url=https://reefbuilders.com/2009/10/17/propagating-gracilaria-for-fun-and-food/|title=''Propagating Gracilaria for fun and food!'' |date=17 October 2009 |publisher=Reef Builders|access-date=April 29, 2022}}</ref><ref name=unter>{{cite web|url=https://www.unter-wasser-freiburg.de/Gracilaria-parvispora-Hawai-Rotalge-kleine-PortionWF|title=''Gracilaria parvispora - Hawai-Rotalge (kleine Portion)(WF)'' |publisher=Unter Wasser|access-date=May 1, 2022}}</ref>

Under ideal conditions, the alga is a fast grower and rapidly absorbs [[micronutrients]], capable of increasing its [[Biomass (ecology)|biomass]] by 150% or more in a single month. In fact, it is one of the fastest growing species of ''[[Gracilaria]]'' and is one of the larger species of [[red algae]] native to the [[Hawaiian Islands]]. Though once common in the region, the alga has become overharvested, with the [[Invasive species|invasive]] ''[[Gracilaria salicornia]]'' having largely replaced ''Gracilaria parvispora'' around the island of [[Oahu]].<ref name=algaebarn /><ref name=Hawaii /><ref name=builder /><ref name=UK>{{cite web|url=https://www.livealgae.co.uk/red-macroalgae-species/marine-macroalgae-gracilaria-gracilaria-parvispora-birds-nest|title=''Gracilaria Parvispora'' |publisher=Livealgae UK|access-date=April 29, 2022}}</ref>

==Conservation==
Alongside ''[[Gracilaria coronopifolia]]'' and ''[[Asparagopsis taxiformis]]'', ''Gracilaria parvispora'' is one of the three most highly sought after [[edible seaweed]]s in the [[Hawaiian Islands]]; there may possibly be an export market for dried ''Gracilaria parvispora''. In [[Hawaii]], it has historically been incorporated into recipes representing [[Hawaii]]an, [[Korea]]n, [[Philippines|Filipino]], [[Japan]]ese and [[Caucasian race|Caucasian]] cuisines, such as [[Poke (Hawaiian dish)|poke]], or eaten raw.<ref name=Arizona /><ref name=Hawaii /><ref name=produce>{{cite web|url=https://www.specialtyproduce.com/produce/Red_Ogo_Seaweed_195.php|title=''Red Ogo Seaweed'' |publisher=Specialty Produce|access-date=May 1, 2022}}</ref>

In the 1930s, ''Gracilaria parvispora'' began to be commercially harvested in [[Oahu]] and would become the most popular [[edible seaweed|seaweed]] in [[Honolulu]] [[fish markets]] up until the 1970s. Since then, [[overharvesting]] has made this species increasingly rare in the wild; its limited availability led to the importation and [[mariculture]] of [[Atlantic]] ''[[Gracilaria tikvaheae]]'' as a replacement, which differs from ''Gracilaria parvispora'' in taste, texture, and appearance. In 1988, the collection of fertile ''Gracilaria parvispora'', with [[cystocarps]], was outlawed.<ref name=Arizona /><ref name=Hawaii />

===Mariculture===
[[Image:Tang Heaven Red™.jpg|thumb|right|''Gracilaria parvispora'', [[mariculture]]d in [[Kailua-Kona, Hawaii]] and shipped to the [[contiguous United States]] for use in a [[Refugium (fishkeeping)|refugium]].]]
[[Mariculture]] of ''Gracilaria parvispora'' has been extensively researched. In 1991, researchers at the [[University of Arizona]] experimented on growing ''Gracilaria parvispora'' in [[Ancient Hawaiian aquaculture|Hawaiian fishponds]] along [[Molokai]]'s south shore. It was successfully maricultured at mean yields of {{convert|0.6|kg/m2/week|lb/ft2/week|1|abbr=on|sortable=on}} when grown inside floating baskets. Lower water current, at water velocities such as {{convert|5|cm/s|in/s|1|abbr=on|sortable=on}}, were found to be desirable. Higher current, at water velocities such as {{convert|13|cm/s|in/s|1|abbr=on|sortable=on}}, may encourage undesirable [[epiphyte]] growth, including ''[[Lyngbya majuscula]]'', ''[[Hypnea cervicornis]]'', and ''[[Acanthophora spicifera]]''. Growing ''Gracilaria parvispora'' attached to lines submerged in [[Hokukano-Ualapue Complex|Ualapue Pond]] also yielded high growth rates albeit with poor recovery as the [[thalli]] were often severed. Growing ''Gracilaria parvispora'' in Ualapue Pond within bottom culture pens resulted in low growth rates due to low light penetration and smothering by [[silt]]. ''Gracilaria parvispora'' is also difficult to maintain in tank cultures, failing to develop desirable, fine branches (likely due to excessive water flow) and eventually fragmenting into [[necrotic]] pieces after several weeks. Resources necessary for water exchange in tank cultures are also prohibitively expensive and energy intensive, including shoreline modifications, a pumping station, and a seawater discharge point.<ref name=Arizona /><ref name=Hawaii />

==Nutrition==
[[Image:Long ogo (Gracilaria parvispora).jpg|thumb|left|''Gracilaria parvispora'' being fed to [[teleosts]] at the [[Pet store|tropical fish store]], Aquatic Collection, in [[Hayward, California|Hayward]], California.]]
In 2003, researchers at the [[University of Hawaiʻi]] analyzed the nutritional composition of twenty-two [[edible seaweed|edible Hawaiian seaweed]] species, including ''Gracilaria parvispora''. Fresh ''Gracilaria parvispora'' was found to be composed of 90.4 ± 0.1% water. Composition and [[Calorie|caloric]] content of dried, powdered ''Gracilaria parvispora'' was found to be 48.1 ± 0.4% [[Ash (analytical chemistry)|ash]], 7.6 ± 0.4% [[Protein (nutrient)|total protein]], 22.9 ± 0.9% [[Carbohydrate|soluble carbohydrate]], 2.8 ± 0.3% [[Lipid|crude lipid]], and {{convert|1358 ± 66.4|cal/g|cal/oz|1|abbr=on|sortable=on}} for powder. The [[riboflavin]] content of dried, powdered ''Gracilaria parvispora'' was found to be {{convert|0.006|mg/g|oz/lb|4|abbr=on|sortable=on}}. The essential [[Mineral (nutrient)|mineral element]] content of dried, powdered ''Gracilaria parvispora'' was found to be 1.48% [[nitrogen]], 0.15% [[phosphorus]], 16.00% [[potassium]], 0.49% [[magnesium]], 0.38% [[calcium]], 3.99% [[sulfur]], {{convert|242|µg/g|oz/lb|4|abbr=on|sortable=on}} [[boron]], {{convert|8|µg/g|oz/lb|4|abbr=on|sortable=on}} [[zinc]], {{convert|48|µg/g|oz/lb|4|abbr=on|sortable=on}} [[manganese]], {{convert|198|µg/g|oz/lb|4|abbr=on|sortable=on}} [[iron]], and {{convert|3|µg/g|oz/lb|5|abbr=on|sortable=on}} [[copper]]. Like other [[aquacultured]] ''[[Gracilaria]]'' species, ''Gracilaria parvispora'' did not have an unusually high [[nutritional value]].<ref name=nutritional>{{Cite journal|last1=McDermid|first1=Karla|last2=Stuercke|first2=Brooke|date=2003-11-01|title=Nutritional composition of edible Hawaiian seaweeds|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/226102204|journal=Journal of Applied Phycology|volume=15|issue=6 |pages=513–524|doi=10.1023/B:JAPH.0000004345.31686.7f|bibcode=2003JAPco..15..513M |s2cid=10197130|issn=0921-8971}}</ref>

==In aquaria==
[[Image:Glowing macroalgae.jpg|thumb|right|''Gracilaria parvispora'' in a planted [[marine aquarium]]. A dying portion of the [[thallus]] emits an orange [[fluorescence]].]]
''Gracilaria parvispora'' is a highly functional [[macroalgae|macroalga]] in [[marine aquaria]] and is the most popular species of ''[[Gracilaria]]'' in the [[marine aquarium|marine aquarium hobby]]. It is known to be very hardy, though it should ideally be supplemented with [[trace elements]], such as [[iron]]. In addition, ''Gracilaria parvispora'' can both be grown attached to substrate or left unattached and gently tumbled to dislodge [[detritus]] from its branches. Often, this alga is used in [[Refugium (fishkeeping)|refugia]] for nutrient export, though it also has applications as a hitching post for [[seahorses]] and for display. Due to its rapid growth rate, trimmings of ''Gracilaria parvispora'' can be harvested from a refugium and used as a nutritious food source for various [[herbivorous]] fish and invertebrates, including [[Acanthuridae|tangs]], [[Siganidae|rabbitfish]], [[Centropyge|pygmy angelfish]], and [[blennies]]. If the alga begins to turn white, the affected [[thallus]] should be removed as this is a sign of [[decomposition]].<ref name=algaebarn /><ref name=marineplantbook /><ref name=builder /><ref name=UK /><ref name=planted>{{cite web|url=https://www.plantedreef.co.uk/buy-macroalgae/Red-Ogo-Macroalgae-(Gracilaria-parvispora)-p337505397|title=''Red Ogo Gracilaria (Gracilaria parvispora)'' |publisher=PlantedReef|access-date=May 1, 2022}}</ref><ref name=blue>{{cite web|url=https://www.bluezooaquatics.com/productDetail.asp?did=3&pid=1487&cid=284|title=''Ogo Algae'' |publisher=Blue Zoo Aquatics|access-date=July 4, 2022}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Edible seaweed]]
*[[Gracilaria]]
*[[Limu (algae)]]
*[[List of marine aquarium plant species]]
*[[Mariculture]]
*[[Refugium (fishkeeping)]]
*[[Seaweed farming]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/549804-Gracilaria-parvispora iNaturalist]
*{{AlgaeBase species|name=''Gracilaria parvispora''|id=21203&-}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q50410026}}

[[Category:Algae of Hawaii]]
[[Category:Edible algae]]
[[Category:Edible seaweeds]]
[[Category:Endemic fauna of Hawaii]]
[[Category:Flora of Northwestern Mexico]]
[[Category:Flora of the Pacific]]
[[Category:Gracilariales]]
[[Category:Hawaiian cuisine]]
[[Category:Marine biota of North America]]
[[Category:Marine fauna of the Gulf of California]]
[[Category:Plants described in 1985]]
[[Category:Seaweeds]]
[[Category:Species described in 1985]]
[[Category:Taxa named by Isabella Abbott]]