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An in situ comparison of environmental and physiological factors was undertaken in 1971-72 (15 months) in the Niantic River estuary to elucidate some of the important aspects of the growth and development of the seaweed Codium fragile. In general, Codium in the estuary has a growing season of from 6 to 9 months. Growth increments during this period are relatively constant. Temperature and salinity are the main limiting factors to growth, although low summer concentrations of inorganic nitrogen may also be involved. Reproduction by means of swarmers occurs only in late summer or autumn. Codium appears highly adapted to the role of a colonizing species. It not only possesses the capability to occupy the harshest of environments, but also a system of reproductive alternatives which facilitates rapid colonization. The availability of substrate for attachment is the chief factor limiting its spread in this estuarine system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]