Epiphytic macroalgae and hosts of the marine shelf of Cuba: Current status, composition and diversity

The taxonomic composition and diversity of host and epiphytic macroalgal species are important elements in the structure and diversity of marine ecosystems. In this paper, the current state of knowledge and diversity of epiphytic macroalgae and their hosts in Cuba are determined. A systematic review of the scientific literature published from 1900 to 2018 was carried out. The current status of knowledge, main trends, composition, species richness and diversity in the different habitats and areas of the shelf were determined according to the records. We identified 37 publications dealing with the composition and diversity of epiphytism in macroalgae. The studies are grouped into two periods: the first one begins in 1955 addressing only the taxonomy; and the second one begins after 1989 focused on ecology. The flora of Cuban epiphytic macroalgae and hosts is 131 and 130 species, respectively. Habitats with greater structural complexity possess a greater richness of epiphytes, taxonomic structure and alpha diversity. The distribution patterns of epiphytic richness are influenced by both the sampling bias and the limited approach to epiphytism in phycological studies. The average taxonomic distinction (Δ+) expected for the habitats and zones of the Cuban shelf is 82, with 95% confidence limits between 77.21 and 100. Differences in species richness are the component that contributes most significantly to increasing the beta diversity of the epiphytic macroalgae due to the high environmental heterogeneity. •Study of epiphytic macroalgae in Cuba is limited to 37 publications since 1955.•Epiphytic macroalgal flora of Cuba includes 320 species, with red algae dominance.•Epiphytic macroalgae are found on 130 hosts, four seagrass and 126 macroalgae.•Structure of habitat determines the diversity of the epiphytic macroalgae of Cuba.•β diversity of the epiphytic algae is high, determined by the differences in species richness.