Gracilaria


Gracilaria is a genus of red algae notable for its economic importance as an agarophyte, as well as its use as a food for humans and various species of shellfish. Various species within the genus are cultivated among Asia, South America, Africa and Oceania.

Distribution

Gracilaria bursa-pastoris and Gracilaria multipartita have long been established in southern England and northwestern France, but confusion between Gracilaria gracilis and Gracilariopsis longissima, as Gracilaria verrucosa or Gracilaria confervoides, has hindered the accurate recognition of its northern distribution boundaries.

Use

Gracilaria is used as a food in Japanese, Hawaiian, and Filipino cuisine. In Japanese cuisine, it is called ogonori or ogo. In the Philippines, it is called gulaman and used to make gelatin. In Jamaica, it is known as Irish moss.
Gracilaria oligosaccharides with degree of polymerization 6 prepared by agarase digestion from agar-bearing Gracilaria sp. polysaccharides have been shown to be an effective prophylactic agent during in vitro and in vivo experiments against Japanese encephalitis viral infection. The sulfated oligosaccharides from Gracilaria sp. seem to be promising candidates for further development as antiviral agents.

Aquarium trade

Gracilaria commonly appears as a macroalgae for sale in the aquarium trade. It is a highly palatable algae to tangs and many other herbivorous fish, and its nutrient uptake ability makes it a suitable choice for a refugium.

Ecology

Gracilaria are susceptible to infection by the parasitic oomycete Pythium porphyrae.