Puigserver, M.; Zingone, A. (2002). Prorocentrum nux sp. nov. (Dinophyceae), a small planktonic dinoflagellate from the Mediterranean Sea, and discussion of P. nanum and P. pusillum. Phycologia. 41(1): 29-38.

238144

10.2216/i0031-8884-41-1-29.1 [view]

Puigserver, M.; Zingone, A.

2002

41(1): 29-38

Publication

http://www.phycologia.org/doi/abs/10.2216/i0031-8884-41-1-29.1?journalCode=phya

A new Prorocentrum species was discovered in the Gulf of Naples (Mediterranean Sea) and is described in the present study as P. nux Puigserver & Zingone sp. nov. Prorocentrum nux is small (6.3–9.0 µm long, 5.3–10.0 µm wide, and 5.3–10.7 µm deep), irregularly oval in valve view, and lacks an apical spine. Unlike most Prorocentrum species, its cells are not laterally compressed, owing to the marked convexity of the valves and to the overgrowth of the intercalary bands. The thecal plates are thin and smooth, with a few pores of two different sizes near the valve margins. Seven platelets are arranged around the flagellar pore. Two parietal chloroplasts are present, each having a pyrenoid without a visible starch shield. The nucleus is located posteriorly. A pusule is present close to the flagellar bases. Numerous trichocysts were observed both within the cell and discharged outside it. In the genus Prorocentrum, two other small-celled species have been described, viz. P. nanum and P. pusilium; the latter has sometimes been considered a synonym of the former. However, based on their original descriptions and on other published information, P. nanum and P. pusillum are quite distinct from each other and from P. nux, with respect to cell shape, and the size and location of the thecal pores. Unlike P. nux, both P. nanum and P. pusillum are described as having a thick theca and a laterally flattened cell body. We reexamined the only existing culture material classified as P. nanum, viz. UTEX LB 1008, derived from the Plymouth 184 strain and originally identified as Exuviaella pusilla. This material has consistently been misidentifiedand has the same distinctive characters as P. nux.

RIS (EndNote, Reference Manager, ProCite, RefWorks)
BibTex (BibDesk, LaTeX)

[Back to search]