Cabra reticulata sp. nov. (Dinophyceae), a new sand-dwelling dinoflagellate from the Atlantic Ocean
2009
Chomerat, Nicolas | Nezan, Elisabeth
A new sand-dwelling dinoflagellate species, Cabra reticulata sp. nov., is described from sandy habitats in the south of Brittany (northwestern France). This new species possesses the characteristics of the 'unusual' genus, Cabra Murray et Patterson. The thecal plate formula is Po Pt 3' 1a 4'' 'x' 3c ?s 5''' 1'''' (or alternatively interpreted as Po Pt 4' 0a 4'' 'x' 3c ?s 5''' 1''''). Because of the strong lateral compression, cells of C. reticulata are frequently seen laterally and have a polygonal shape, with three prominent antapical pointed flanges and a dorsal spine in the anterior part of the hypotheca. The cingulum is ascending and incomplete. The thecal surface is ornamented with strong reticulations forming polygonal areolae, which differs from C. matta Murray et Patterson, the type species of the genus. In addition to their different size and shape, a detailed study of C. reticulata by scanning electron microscopy also revealed several different plate features. Plates of the cingulum, c1 and c3, have no reticulations and are ornamented with shallow round areolae, while c2 is only faintly reticulated. Plate 1'''' is also characteristic because dorsally it forms a prominent pointed flange and ventrally bears a peculiar small area of densely arranged pores or tiny areolae. A similar finding has previously been described in Roscoffia capitata Balech. In the description of the genus, it was suggested that Cabra is closely related to species of the genus Roscoffia, and our observations strengthen this hypothesis. Prior to this study, C. reticulata was probably observed in the Virgin Islands, Caribbean Sea, but was tentatively identified as Thecadinium sp. and not fully described. Thus, C. reticulata appears to be present on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean and to occupy benthic habitats in temperate and tropical areas.
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