Cryptic speciation of benthic Prorocentrum (Dinophyceae) species and their potential as ecological indicators

The response of marine ecosystems to rapid climate changes has been well recognized but not studied extensively. Benthic microalgae, in contrast the phytoplankton that is able be transported by currents, have limited dispersal ability and thus are a better ecological indicator changes. Here we performed sampling Yellow Sea, East China Sea South established twenty-six strains benthic Prorocentrum for detailed morphological molecular examinations. Five species, including P. concavum, fukuyoi, mexicanum, tsawwassenense, cf. sculptile, were identified. Both concavum fukuyoi displayed marked intraspecific divergences large subunit (LSU) ribosomal RNA gene sequences, corresponding their geographical origins. In contrast, mexicanum shared identical LSU sequence. tsawwassenense sculptile suitable indicators as they rarely observed. recommended either it present across region. advantages Western Pacific comprise several ribotypes with differentiated biogeography. Toxin analysis was also on all five species except liquid chromatography coupled tandem mass spectrometry, okadaic acid detectable.