Complex photobiont diversity in the marine lichen <i>Lichina pygmaea</i>

Abstract Lichens are a well-known symbiosis between host mycobiont and eukaryote algal or cyanobacterial photobiont partner(s). Recent studies have indicated that terrestrial lichens can also contain other cryptic photobionts increase the lichens’ ecological fitness in response to varying environmental conditions. Marine live distinct ecosystems compared with their counterparts because of regular submersion seawater much less studied. We performed bacteria 16S 18S rRNA gene metabarcoding surveys assess total diversity within marine lichen Lichina pygmaea (Lightf.) C. Agardh, which is widespread throughout intertidal zone Atlantic coastlines. found addition established Rivularia , L. apparently range freshwater cyanobacteria, as well algae family Ulvophyceae (Chlorophyta). propose multiple cyanobacteria may contribute ability survive harsh fluctuating conditions zone.