Composition of epiphytic dinoflagellates and phorophytes from north coast of Morrosquillo Gulf, Sucre, Colombia

Abstract

To determinate the species composition and specificity of the epiphytic dinoflagellates to phorophytes of the northern coast of the Gulf of Morrosquillo (Sucre-Colombia), were established transects at five points where were collected macrophytes and floating elements for four months. From these, samples of epiphytes dinoflagellates were identified and quantified, in order to establish richness and abundance; In addition, a cluster analysis with Bray-Curtis distance was implemented to establish similarity between the sampling points. Six taxa were found: Prorocentrum lima, P. emarginatum, Ostreopsis ovata, O. lenticularis, Cabra cf. aremorica y Coolia sp. Cabra cf. aremorica which is a new record for Colombia and the South Caribbean. Ostreopsis was the most abundant genus, being a rare trend in the Caribbean, where the highest values are provided by Prorocentrum species. Four of the species found are potentially toxic, as they can cause diarrheal intoxication and ciguatera. Assemblages of epiphyte dinoflagellates from the northern coast of the Gulf of Morrosquillo were characterized by a low number of species and the dominance of Ostreopsis species.

Keywords

• Microalgas
• forófitos
• bentónico
• macrófitas
• Caribe
• Colombia.