Chondracanthus teedei is a small red alga, whose fronds are cartilaginous membranous, dark crimson to red black, turning yellow-green due to decay. The main frond axes, due to their broad branches, reach 1 cm in the oldest portions in the case of the lusitanicus variety. Originally described in Portugal, C. teedei is found widespread in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, Black Sea and Indian Ocean. This cosmopolitan species is typical of lower intertidal and shallow subtidal habitats, of sciophilous habitats in semi-exposed or protected areas, and tolerates the presence of mud and sand. Its composition may vary according to the geographical location of origin, and the time of year when it is collected. It has relatively high levels of protein (14.66%), ash (28.68%), fibres (2.21%), lipids (1.82%) and moisture (86.73%), making this alga able to be considered for its implementation as food. In addition, C. teedei var. lusitanicus produces hybrid carrageenans belonging to the lambda family (xi-theta hybrid carrageenans), in the case of tetrasporophytes, and kappa-iota-mu-nu hybrid carrageenans, in the case of female gametophytes and non-fruited thalli. The carrageenans extracted from this species have antifungal and antiviral activities, and the dry ground biomass of C. teedei has potential to be used in cosmetic formulations. |
