It was found in a marina located within a south coast estuary (South Africa). It forms a red/rust coloured layer. I do have additional pictures available.
I'm sorry I can't magnified the pictures, but the mentioned color may be indicated to lichens or brown algae.
Regards
I would check Raphidophyceae. But with such unicells it is always difficult without molecular data or pigment analysis or ultrastructural data.
Dear Louw.
I think that you have at least two types of microalgae. One of them, the elliptical cells, is Prorocentrum (dinoflagellate), and the other with has the apices slightly attenuated is difficult to distinguish in your photograph.
Dear Louw
I'm sending your photograph with some suggestions.
Best regards
prorocentrum sp. is normaly present during the ostreopsis blooms, along with other dinoflagellates, coolia sp. and anphidinium sp.
Dear Louw.
I agree with Francisco and Raffaele, this two could be Prorocentrum sp. and Ostreopsis sp. You know the number of flagella per cell, an average?
Cheers
anyway i can confirm are Prorocentrum sp. and Osteopsis sp. ( ovata ? )
Dinoflagellate Prorocentrum cf. rhathymum [I can see the diagnostic small spine on at least one cell)
Please approach Professors ( Dr. L. Kannan or anyone) at Faculty in Marine Science of Annamali University, India.
Thank you everyone for all the help with the identification of the flagellate. It was identified as Prorocentrum rhathymum. If anyone has species specific info on the ecology/biology of P. rhathymum please let me know! Especially with regards to its occurrence in South Africa.
- Badges
- Science topic