Distribution of Compsopogon caeruleus (Balbis ex C.Agardh) Montagne (Compsopogonales, Compsopogonophyceae) in West Bengal, India

Compsopogon caeruleus (Balbis ex C. Agardh) Montagne is among the most diverse freshwater red algae, with a widespread distribution across North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australasia, and Oceania. Highly adaptable to varied environmental conditions, it thrives in freshwater habitats such as streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes, as well as in brackish ecosystems like lagoons and estuaries. In India, Compsopogon caeruleus is widely distributed, with extensive documentation across multiple states. In West Bengal, previous studies have primarily reported its occurrence in the southern Gangetic plains and estuarine regions, while its diversity in the northern districts remains largely unexplored. This article investigates the extensive diversity of Compsopogon caeruleus in northern West Bengal, highlighting its ecological significance, agricultural utilization, and global conservation status.