• ALGAE
• /
• v.22 no.4
• /
• pp.273-286
• /
• 2007

Records of selected gymnodinioid dinoflagellates from the open waters in the vicinity of the Kuroshio and Oyashio Currents, the Philippine, Celebes, Sulu and South China Seas, western and central equatorial and southeast Pacific Ocean are described and illustrated. The species Gymnodinium fusus Schütt, Gyrodinium falcatum Kofoid et Swezy, G. caudatum Kofoid et Swezy, G. sugashimanii J. Cachon et al. and Pseliodinium vaubanii Sournia are considered to be morphotypes of a single species, that until further studies can establish the correct genus, are named G. falcatum. This study is the first to record individuals of G. falcatum with very long curly extensions. Other gymnodinioid dinoflagellates that showed bifurcated hyposomes may be related to Gyrodinium bifurcatum Kofoid et Swezy or cells of thecate dinoflagellates exuviated from their thecae. Some specimens showed a rigid cover, although no discernible thecal plates. In this group, the most common species was Ptychodiscus noctiluca Stein and, for the first time, a micrograph of a tentative specimen of the genus Berghiella Kofoid et Michener is reported. The validity of the genera Berghiella and Balechina Loeblich Jr. et Loeblich III with thick cell covers is discussed. Several species with apical extensions, other unknown taxa with distinctive shapes, and colonial forms are illustrated. The diversity of gymnodinioid dinoflagellates is underinvestigated in the open ocean.

• ALGAE
• /
• v.21 no.4
• /
• pp.445-452
• /
• 2006

The morphometry and distribution of the unarmoured dinoflagellates Brachidinium capitatum F.J.R. Taylor, Asterodinium gracile Sournia, Microceratium orstomii Sournia and the toxic species Karenia papilionacea Haywood et Steidinger have been investigated in open waters of the SE Pacific Ocean. The genus Microceratium Sournia is recorded for the first time since the initial description. These taxa showed a high morphological similarity and they may correspond to life stages of a highly versatile single species that is able to project body extensions. Karenia papilionacea showed the higher abundance in the surface waters of the more productive areas (the Marquesas Archipelago and the Perú-Chile Current). Brachidinium capitatum and K. papilionacea often co-occurred, predominating B. capitatum in offshore surface waters. Asterodinium gracile was recorded at the bottom of the euphotic zone (down to 210 m depth), with a shallower distribution in more productive areas. Intermediate specimens of Asterodinium-Brachidinium-Karenia, with variable disposition and size of the body extensions were illustrated.