CERATIUM SCHRANK (DINOFLAGELLATAE, PERIDINIALES) DE LAS ISLAS DEL ROSARIO, CARIBE COLOMBIANO

Abstract

The species of Ceratium Schrank (Dinoflagellatae, Peridiniales) of Rosario Islands, Colombian Caribbean Sea, are pointed out in relation to physical parameters of sea ÿwater for three climatic periods. It is found that the species also correspond to three different populations, some of them being common for the three periods.

29 species are reported, 12 are for the first time for the Colombian Caribbean Sea: Ceratium praelongum, C. kofoidii, C. incisum, C. longiroztrum, C. contrarium, C. inclinaturn, C. vultur, C. ranipes, C. reflexum, C. gibberum, C. limulus and C. schranki).

Species like C. praelongum, C. ranipes, C. tenue, C. inclinatum, C. vultur and probably C. reflexum and C. lunula usually regarded as shade species, captured in surface tows may show a renewed water caused by strong winds or by small upwellings.

Finally, the conservation of C. tenue and C. inclinatum as valid species and not as synonyms of C. horridum is proposed.