Tintinnids from Todos Santos Bay, B.C., Mexico (1980-1985). I. Taxonomy

Abstract

Tintinnids from Todos Santos Bay, Baja California (Mexico), were collected from 1980 to 1985 by means of 83 horizontal surface tows with a standard No. 20 net (75 µm mesh size). Based on lorica morphology, 66 species and 30 genera were identified. Ten species are considered as permanent due to their presence in plankton during at least four years. Other records include: two cold-water, five tropical and two cosmopolitan species. Such an assembly suggests that the bay is subject to changing conditions. A key to the genera is presented with 70 light microscope photographs, 41 SEM pictures and seven line drawings. Remarks on synonymy, specific taxonomic characters and polymorphism are included. Ultrastructure observations proved to be of great aid in these forementioned aspects. The high diversity suggests that Todos Santos Bay harbors several different microhabitats.

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