Morphology, Molecular Genetics and Potential Importance for Mucilage Events of the New Coccolithophorid Ochrosphaera neapolitana in the Sea of Marmara

The coccolithophorid Ochrosphaera neapolitana was reported for the first time from samples obtained during a large-scale mucilage event in Sea of Marmara May 2022 previous study. We also found this species our about year ago (i.e., June 2021). In study, O. further isolated and produced laboratory as monoculture investigations using electron microscopy molecular methods. identified small sub-unit (SSU) rRNA sequence subsequent phylogenetic analysis. During experiments, surprisingly observed to produce conspicuous levels skim layer mono- or multi-species cultures, mainly comprising other diatom species. This observation could be significant milestone understanding reasons mechanisms events that occur Marmara.