First record of the red alga <i>Ceramium pallidum</i> (Ceramiales, Ceramiaceae) for the Mediterranean Sea

Abstract In this paper, the red macroalga Ceramium pallidum is reported and described for the first time from the Mediterranean Sea. Specimens of C. pallidum were collected in the lower intertidal zone from Jebha on the Mediterranean coast of Morocco. The material was examined in detail and compared with congeners. Descriptions of morphological and reproductive features with taxonomic remarks are provided, accompanied by photographs. Furthermore, a key for all the Mediterranean taxa of non-spinose Ceramium is presented. The total number of taxa at both specific and infraspecific levels accepted in the genus Ceramium for the Mediterranean Sea is 31.