First record of Cochlodinium convolutum and C. helicoides (Gymnodiniales: Dinophyceae) in the Gulf of California

Abstract

The naked marine dinoflagellates Cochlodinium convolutum and C. helicoides are reported for the first time in the Gulf of California. They occurred in seawater at 21-24.5°C. Cochlodinium convolutum was found in both bottle and net samples; its abundance ranged from 400-2200 cells L–1. A total of 96 specimens of C. convolutum and 23 specimens of C. helicoides were examined from the net phytoplankton samples. A short description is given for each species, and photomicrographs provide information about the main morphological characteristics.