Influence of the Habitat on Marine Macroalgae Toxicity

Macroalgae synthesize molecules that may be toxic to other organisms. These molecules are synthesized as a defense strategy against herbivores. It has been proven that the synthesis process is directed by several physiological, chemical and even spatial-temporal variables. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the complexity of the habitat influences on the expression of marine macroalgae toxicity. Algae of 31 species (39 samples) were collected in localities with different habitat morphology: a coral reef in the Mexican Caribbean, three myxohaline localities in the Yucatán peninsula and six rocky intertidal localities, four of these in the Mexican Pacific and two in the Gulf of Mexico. Results identified 19 strongly toxic species from the reef, followed by algae collected in the rocky intertidal area, and the least number of toxic species in the myxohaline environments. The results support the hypothesis established by several researchers worldwide regarding the complexity of coral reefs, which promotes the synthesis of toxic substances as a defense against herbivores. These substances have been employed as molecules that are useful in the fight against diseases or as synthesis matrices of other compounds with pharmacological potential.