Sargassum muticum: a taxonomic history including world-wide and western Pacific distributions

Abstract

Sargassum muticum (Yendo) Fensholt was first described from Japan as the forma muticus (sic.) of S. kjellmanianum Yendo. Subsequently, s. kjellmanianum and S. miyabei Yendo have been recognised as conspecific with dioecious reproductive structures. S. muticum is monoecious. The taxonomic history of S. muticum and confusions arising are presented.The spread of Sargassum muticum to regions of the world outside of Japan is illustrated. A distribution map of S. kjellmanianum, S. miyabei and S. muticum in the western Pacific is also presented with a discussion of this selected species group. Further work is required to determine the exact extent of S. muticum in the western Pacific region.