Verification of Sargassum natans (Linnaeus) Gaillon (Heterokontophyta: Phaeophyceae) from the Sargasso Sea off the coast of Brazil, western Atlantic Ocean

The Sargasso Sea, named due to the floating presence of Sargassum fluitans and S. natans, is usually reported for the tropical region of the Northern Hemisphere. On 14 July 2011, at 02°45’ N and 48°28’ W, samples of pelagic seaweed masses were collected by the Patrol Ship Bracuí of the Brazilian Navy. The seaweed was identified as S. natans, previously considered as of doubtful occurrence in Brazil.