Back to Basics: Revision of Coccolithophore Species List in the Adriatic Sea

Coccolithophores are unicellular marine algae belonging to the haptophyte group, characterized by production of intricate calcium carbonate plates that adorn their cells and exhibit species-specific morphology. The Adriatic Sea has historically been type locality numerous phytoplankton species, including coccolithophores. However, since initial description, many species have not recorded during frequent surveys in Sea. This was mainly because these did use electron microscopy, which is necessary for accurate identification. In this study, we re-evaluate coccolithophore lists using historical records compare them with recent coastal open waters light changes nomenclature resulting from clarification species’ life cycles, update taxonomic list occurring Adriatic.