A new Peyssonnelia species is described from deep-water habitats in Puerto Rico as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands. Peyssonnelia incomposita is distinctive when living due its background orange coloration with highly contrasting bright yellow highlights. Internally the thallus is distinguished by abundant cell fusions that occur both laterally and longitudinally among cell rows of the perithallus as well as between cells of adjacent perithallial filaments at different tier levels. Tetrasporangia are cut off distally and possess an enlarged pedicel. They measure to 30 µm wide and 75 µm long. The crusts are closely appressed to the substratum and while variable, normally measure approximately 75 µm in thickness.

Depth range
50- 73 m

Mesophotic “mentions”
2 x (total of 2282 words)

Classification
* Presents original data
* Reports new species
* Focused on 'mesophotic' depth range
* Focused on 'mesophotic coral ecosystem'

Fields
Biodiversity
Taxonomy

Focusgroups
Algae (Macro, Turf and Crustose Coralline)

Locations
Puerto Rico

Platforms
Rebreather