Abstract The genus Blepharocysta Ehrenberg currently comprises 5 species of truly marine planktonic thecate dinoflagellates, which are solitary, globose, subspherical and heterotrophic cells, lack typical depressed cingulum and sulcus, and are mainly distributed in tropical areas. The morphology of 2 species, Blepharocysta splendor-maris and B. paulsenii, found in net samples from the tropical Mexican Pacific, was studied by LM and SEM, especially plate arrangement and theca ornamentation. Blepharocysta splendor-maris showed more ovoid cells, developed sulcal lists, and theca with shallow poroids having a relative low density, whereas B. paulsenii had more spherical cells, shorter epitheca, reduced and slightly ornamented sulcal lists, and theca with deep poroids having a relatively higher density. The thecal tabulation in both species agrees with conventional tabulation, including the anterior intercalary plate in B. paulsenii. A comparison of both morphological and ecological characteristics among all species of the genus is done, outstanding shape of cells, relative size, development of sulcal lists, and especially the theca ornamentation as important morphological characters to distinguish species. Blepharocysta splendor-maris is the only species distributed from tropical to Antarctic waters, whereas the others are limited to tropical and subtropical waters.

Resumen El género Blepharocysta Ehrenberg comprende 5 especies de dinoflagelados tecados, planctónicos marinos. Incluye células solitarias, globulares, subesféricas y heterótrofas, que carecen de cingulum y sulcus típicos, de distribución principal en áreas tropicales. Se estudió la morfología de las especies Blepharocysta splendor-maris y B. paulsenii, encontradas en muestras de red del Pacífico mexicano tropical, usando ML y MEB, particularmente el arreglo de placas y ornamentación de la teca. Blepharocysta splendor-maris mostró una forma ovoide, aletas sulcales desarrolladas, teca con poroides poco profundos y mediana densidad, mientras que B. paulsenii tuvo forma más esférica, epiteca más corta, aletas sulcales reducidas, ligeramente ornamentadas y teca con poroides profundos, de mayor densidad. La tabulación de placas en ambas especies concuerda con la tabulación convencional, incluida la placa intercalar anterior en B. paulsenii. Se comparan las características morfológicas y ecológicas de las especies del género, destacando forma de células, tamaño relativo, desarrollo de las aletas sulcales y especialmente la ornamentación de la teca como caracteres morfológicos para distinguir especies. Blepharocysta splendor-maris es la única especie distribuida desde aguas tropicales a antárticas, mientras que las otras están limitadas a aguas tropicales y subtropicales.

Resumo O picophytoplankton marinho tornou-se uma questão importante para compreender a ecologia global das formas fototróficas, devido à sua ampla distribuição e contribuição para a biomassa e a produtividade. Estudamos os pigmentos de abundância, distribuição e assinatura do picofitoplâncton procarionte Prochlorococcus e Synechococcus durante um cruzeiro oceanográfico no Pacífico central mexicano, uma zona mínima de oxigênio relativamente poco conhecida (OMZ) e o efeito de três gradientes ambientais. As abundâncias de Prochlorococcus e Synechococcus foram comparáveis às encontradas em outras áreas tropicais (0.17 to 30.37 X 104 células mL-1, e 0.9 to 30.97 X 104 células mL-1, respectivamente). As abundâncias de Prochlorococcus atingiram o maior número em águas mais profundas, coincidindo frequentemente com a segunda intensidade de fluorescência in situ profunda (e clorofila a), em estações oceânicas, abaixo da nitratoclina, enquanto as abundâncias de Synechococcus foram maiores nas águas de subsuperficie e sua concentração máxima geralmente coincidiu com os máximos de subsuperficie de fluorescência in situ, com abundâncias ligeiramente mais altas nas estações costeiras. As análises estatísticas suportam significativamente esses resultados. A distribuição da divinil-clorofila a foi errática ao longo da coluna de água e coincidiu ocasionalmente com os máximos de fluorescência in situ profundos, enquanto que a distribuição da zeaxantina seguiu geralmente a da clorofila a e as abundâncias de Synechococcus e atingiu o pico. Estes resultados são semelhantes aos encontrados anteriormente na área de estudo e em zonas mais temperadas, e também à tendência geral na OMZ, mas confirmam que a clorofila profunda a maxima é atribuída a altas densidades de Prochlorococcus. Além disso, encontramos a abundância e distribuição de Prochlorococcus e Synechococcus fortemente conduzida pelos gradientes ambientais observados.

Abstract Marine picophytoplankton has become an important issue to understand the global ecology of phototrophic forms, due to its wide distribution and contribution to biomass and productivity. We studied the abundance, distribution and signature pigments of the prokaryote picophytoplankters Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus during an oceanographic cruise (26 April to 7 May, 2011) in the central Mexican Pacific, a relatively poorly-known oxygen minimum zone (OMZ), and the effect of three environmental gradients. Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus abundances were comparable with those found in other tropical areas (0.17 to 30.37 X 104 cells mL-1, and 0.9 to 30.97 X 104 cells mL-1, respectively). Prochlorococcus abundances reached highest numbers in deeper waters, often coinciding with the second deep in situ fluorescence (and chlorophyll α) maxima, at oceanic stations, below the nitratecline, whereas Synechococcus abundances were higher at subsurface waters and its concentration maxima usually coincided with the subsurface in situ fluorescence maxima, with slightly higher abundances in coastal stations. Statistical analyses support significantly these results. Distribution of divinyl-chlorophyll α was erratic along the water column and occasionally coincided with the deep in situ fluorescence maxima, whereas the distribution of zeaxanthin usually followed that of chlorophyll α and the abundances of Synechococcus, and peaked together. These results are similar to those previously found in the study area and in more temperate zones, and also to the general trend in OMZ, but confirm that the second deep chlorophyll α maxima are attributed to high Prochlorococcus densities. We additionally found the abundance and distribution of Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus strongly driven by the environmental gradients observed.

Abstract Sixteen monthly cruises were carried out at a station 6.5 km to the NW of the mouth of Magdalena Bay (Mexico) to study the temporal variability of phytoplankton biomass and primary production rates, and the response of phytoplankton to the prevailing hydrographic characteristics. During each cruise, temperature and salinity were measured in the water column, and discrete samples were collected to measure inorganic nutrient concentrations (nitrate, phosphate, and silicate) and chlorophyll a content (as a proxy for phytoplankton biomass); in addition, in situ incubations were performed to estimate primary production (PP) rates using the 14C technique. During spring and early summer (March-July), the water column at the study site was cold (14.4 ºC at 80 m depth and 17.7 ºC at the surface) and well mixed, with high nutrient concentrations (nitrate = 6.39 μM, phosphate = 0.91 μM, and silicate = 11.87 μM) at the surface, typical of intense upwelling systems. On the contrary, from August to February the water column was stratified (23.5 ± 3.2 ºC above the thermocline and 17.0 ± 1.7 ºC at 80 m depth) and had low nutrient concentrations (nitrate = 3.90 μM, phosphate = 0.47 μM, and silicate = 10.30 μM) at the surface. Phytoplankton abundance, chlorophyll a concentration, and PP rates in the euphotic zone were higher during the upwelling season, with maximum cell density of 1.7 × 106 cells·L-1 (nanoplankton fraction), integrated chlorophyll a content of 231 mg·m-2, and integrated PP rates of 553 mg Cm-2·h-1). Abundance of cells <20 μm, as determined by flow cytometry, revealed the importance of the nanoplankton and picoplankton fractions in this region. This study showed the seasonal variability of phytoplankton communities (biomass and productivity) in waters off Magdalena Bay and the coupling of phytoplankton to environmental variability. Seasonal variability was similar to that observed for other typical coastal upwelling regions, that is, higher phytoplankton abundances and PP rates in spring and summer and lower values in autumn and winter.

Resumen En el periodo de la primavera de 2013 al verano de 2014 se llevaron a cabo 16 muestreos mensuales a 6.5 km al noroeste de la boca de bahía Magdalena (México) con el propósito de estudiar la variabilidad temporal de la biomasa y las tasas de producción primaria del fitoplancton y la respuesta del mismo a las características hidrográficas predominantes. En cada muestreo se midieron la temperatura y salinidad en la columna de agua y se determinaron las concentraciones de nutrientes inorgánicos (nitrato, fosfato y silicato) y el contenido de clorofila a (como proxy de la biomasa del fitoplancton); además, se hicieron incubaciones in situ para estimar la producción primaria (PP) con el método de 14C. En primavera y principios de verano (marzo-julio), el sitio presentó, en promedio, una columna de agua fría (14.4 ºC a 80 m de profundidad y 17.7 ºC en superficie) y mezclada con concentraciones de nutrientes altas en superficie (nitrato = 6.39 µM, fosfato = 0.91 µM y silicato = 11.87µM; valores característicos de zonas de afloramiento intenso). Por el contrario, de agosto a febrero se observó una columna de agua estratificada (23.5 ± 3.2 ºC arriba de la termoclina y 17.0 ± 1.7 ºC a 80 m de profundidad) con menor contenido de nutrientes en superficie (nitrato = 3.90 µM, fosfato = 0.47 µM y silicato = 10.30 µM). La abundancia del fitoplancton, la concentración de clorofila a y las tasas de PP en la zona eufótica fueron mayores en la temporada de surgencias, con densidad celular máxima de 1.7 × 106 cél·L-1 (fracción del nanoplancton), contenido de clorofila a integrada de 231 mg·m-2 y tasa de producción integrada de 553 mg C·m-2·h-1. Las abundancias de células <20 µm determinadas por citometría de flujo mostraron la importancia de las fracciones del nano y picoplancton en la región. Este estudio mostró la variabilidad estacional de las comunidades del fitoplancton (biomasa y productividad) en las aguas frente a bahía Magdalena y su acoplamiento al cambio ambiental. La variabilidad estacional fue similar a la observada en otras regiones características de afloramientos costeros, esto es, mayores abundancias y tasas de PP en primavera y verano y valores menores en otoño e invierno.

Abstract: There exist previous studies on phytoplankton, its taxonomic groups and species, its biomass and primary productivity, mainly in winter and spring, but the structure of the phytoplankton from the Gulf of Tehuantepec in summer is poorly known. The composition and distribution of the phytoplankton photosynthetic pigments in summer conditions are provided in this paper. Hydrographic data from nine stations, during an oceanographic cruise in June, 20013, and analysis of five major phytoplanktonic pigments, Fucoxanthin, Prasinoxanthin, Violaxanthin, Zeaxanthin (marker of Synechococcus, picoplanktonic prokaryote) and Divinyl-chlorophyll a (diagnostic of Prochlorococcus, another picoplanktonic prokaryote) are given. Column water was well-stratified: surface layers had a thickness between 20 and 35 m, with well-defined thermoclines at those depths. Values of all pigments were low, but they showed similar vertical distribution patterns, with subsurface maxima peaks (between 30 and 40 m), especially Divinyl-chlorophyll a in most stations, except 3 and 4, where Fucoxanthin was the most important pigment. These peaks did not always coincide with the depths of the main thermocline at each station, buy usually they were found below the thermocline. This scenery shows the picoplankton as a very important size-fraction group in summer (at least in June), strongly contrasting with the winter-spring conditions, of intense turbulent mix and upwellings, where microplankton and diatoms appear to predominate.

Resumen: Existen estudios previos sobre fitoplancton y sus grupos taxonómicos y especies, así como de su biomasa y productividad primaria, principalmente en invierno y primavera, pero se conoce poco la estructura del fitoplancton del Golfo de Tehuantepec en verano. Aquí se dan a conocer la composición y distribución de pigmentos fotosintéticos fitoplanctónicos en condiciones de verano. Se obtuvieron datos hidrográficos en nueve estaciones durante un crucero oceanográfico en junio, 2003, y se analizaron cinco pigmentos, Fucoxantina, Prasinoxantina, Violaxantina, Zeaxantina (indicador de Synechococcus, procarionte del picoplancton) y Divinil-clorofila a (diagnóstico de Prochlorococcus, otro procarionte del picoplancton). La columna de agua se encontró estratificada: la capa superficial, definida por la profundidad del tope de la termoclina, varió entre 20 y 35 m de espesor. Los valores de todos los pigmentos fueron bajos, pero mostraron patrones similares de distribución vertical, con un pico de concentración subsuperficial (entre 30 y 40 m), destacando Divinil-clorofila a en la mayoría de las estaciones, excepto en la 3 y 4, donde la Fucoxantina fue el principal pigmento. Estos picos no siempre coincidieron con la profundidad de la termoclina en cada estación, generalmente éstos se encontraron por debajo de ella. Este escenario muestra al picoplancton como una fracción importante en verano (al menos en junio), contrastando notablemente con la condición de invierno-primavera, de intensa mezcla turbulenta y surgencias, donde el microplancton y las diatomeas predominan.

Abstract: Picophytoplankton, the smallest fraction of the marine phytoplankton (sizes between 0.2 and 2 μm), has recently become very important, due to its unexplored diversity and relevance in the pelagic realm. During an oceanographic cruise carried out from 21 to 26 June, 2001 in the Gulf of California, hydrographic variables were measured and samples to study planktonic cyanobacteria were collected, from six stations in two different zones, Bahía de La Paz and Cuenca Carmen. Observations made by epifluorescence microscopy showed the presence of Synechococcus, and cell counts were performed to calculate absolute abundances, which varied from 9.1 X 104 to 7.7 X 107 cells L-1, with a general average of 7.78 X 106 cells L-1. These values are comparable with those found in the world literature. Hydrographic conditions in summer at the stations of the Bahía de La Paz indicated well-defined stratification of the water column, with surface main thermoclines (10-15 m), whereas the vertical distributions of Synechococcus abundances showed marked peaks of maximum abundances at subsurface (20-30 m), and other deeper peaks (50-60 m) with lower cell densities. This suggests the development of Synechococcus populations with contrasting ecophysiological characteristics: differential adaptations to intensity and quality of light, and to nutrient concentrations, in two layers, subsurface and deeper. In Cuenca Carmen, with similar hydrographic conditions, but higher surface temperatures, the vertical distributions of Synechococcus were different, one distribution showing a gradual abundance decrement with depth and one having a relative homogeneous distribution.

Resumen: La fracción más pequeña del fitoplancton marino, el picofitoplancton (tallas entre 0.2 y 2 μm), ha adquirido recientemente gran importancia, por su diversidad poco explorada y su relevancia en los ecosistemas pelágicos. Durante un crucero oceanográfico efectuado del 21 al 26 de junio, 2001 en el Golfo de California, se midieron variables hidrográficas y se colectaron muestras para estudiar cianobacterias picoplanctónicas en seis estaciones de dos zonas distintas: Bahía de La Paz y Cuenca Carmen. Las observaciones en microscopía de epifluorescencia mostraron la presencia de Synechococcus y se hicieron recuentos de células para calcular sus abundancias, que variaron entre 9.1 X 104 y 7.7 X 107 céls L-1, y promedio general de 7.78 X 106 céls L-1. Estos valores son comparables con los encontrados en la literatura científica. Las condiciones hidrográficas de verano en las estaciones de la Bahía de La Paz, con marcada estratificación de la columna de agua, y termoclinas principales superficiales (10-15 m), así como la distribución vertical de Synechococcus, con definidos picos subsuperficiales de máxima abundancia (20-30 m) y algunos picos de menores abundancias más profundos (50-60 m), sugieren el desarrollo de poblaciones de Synechococcus con características ecofisiológicas contrastantes: adaptaciones diferenciales a la intensidad y calidad de luz, y a la concentración de nutrientes, en dos capas, subsuperficial y más profunda. En las estaciones de Cuenca Carmen, con condiciones hidrológicas similares, pero con temperaturas superficiales más elevadas, las distribuciones verticales de Synechococcus fueron distintas: disminución gradual de la abundancia con la profundidad o distribución relativamente homogénea.

Abundância e distribuição do picofitoplâncton autotrófico total (PFP), temperatura, salinidade, PAR e clorofila-a, foram determinados em dois ambientes presumivelmente diferentes: (1) duas áreas costeiras (perto da foz de três rios) e (2) uma área oceânica (Campeche Canyon), ambas situadas ao sul do Golfo do México, durante a "estação seca" (Junho-Julho, 2004). Os picoprocariontes Prochlorococcus e Synechococcus foram identificados por TEM, e as populações de Synechococcus e de picoeucariontes também foram reconhecidas por citometria de fluxo. A maior abundância de PFP (1,67 × 105 células ml-1) foi encontrada em águas rasas (~ 10 m de profundidade) em torno dos rios Grijalva Usumacinta, seguida de uma estação perto do Rio Coatzacoalcos (1,19 × 105 células ml-1). As abundâncias de PFP em Campeche Canyon foram geralmente menores (máximo 1,53 × 104 células ml-1). A maior variabilidade em abundâncias de PFP foi encontrada em estações costeiras quando comparado às águas oceânicas, e quase não houve correlação entre os padrões de clorofila-a e abundância de PFP. Picos de PFP foram detectados nas áreas costeiras e oceânicas, mas em Campeche Canyon localizaram-se em maior profundidade (60 m), relativamente mais perto do local onde se registrou o máximo de clorofila (cerca de 75 m). Os resultados sugerem que as populações de PFP englobam um componente fotossintético substancial em ambas as águas costeiras e oceânicas do sul do Golfo do México.

The abundance and distribution of total autotrophic picophytoplankton (PFP), temperature, salinity, PAR, and chlorophyll a were determined in two presumably contrasting environments: (1) two coastal areas (close to the mouths of three rivers), and (2) one oceanic area (Campeche Canyon), of the southern Gulf of Mexico, during the "dry season" (June-July, 2004). The picoprokaryotes Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus were identified by TEM, whereas Synechococcus and picoeukaryotes populations were also recognized by flow cytometry. The highest PFP abundance (1.67×105 cells ml-1) was found in shallow waters (~10 m depth) around the Grijalva-Usumacinta river mouth, followed by that found at a station close to the Coatzacoalcos River (1.19×105 cells ml-1); PFP abundances in the Campeche Canyon were usually lower (maximum 1.53×104 cells ml-1). Greater variability in PFP abundances was found in coastal stations than in oceanic waters, and weak relationships appeared between the patterns of chlorophyll a and PFP abundance. Peaks of PFP were detected in both coastal and more oceanic areas, but in the Campeche Canyon they were located deeper (60 m), relatively closer to the deep maximum of chlorophyll (located at about 75 m). Results suggest that PFP populations include a substantial photosynthetic component in both coastal and oceanic waters of the southern Gulf of Mexico.

Los dinoflagelados son considerados como el grupo más abundante y diverso de microalgas del fitoplancton después de las diatomeas. Esta investigación da a conocer la composición específica de dinoflagelados planctónicos de los ordenes Prorocentrales y Dinophysiales, recolectados mediante arrastres superficiales con red (30μm de luz de malla) en el Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano (SAV), de las costas de Veracruz, México, en el período octubre 2006 a enero2007. Para el análisis del material se utilizaron microscopios de luz y electrónico de barrido. Se identificaron 9 especies de cuatro géneros: Dinophysis estuvo representado por 3 especies, al igual que Prorocentrum, dos de Phalacroma y una de Ornithocercus. Se presentan claves para identificación de los órdenes, géneros y especies de dinoflagelados, asimismo se describe e ilustra cada especie, incluyendo datos morfométricos y se menciona la distribución de las mismas. Dinophysis caudata, D. rapa, D. ovum y Phalacroma rotundata se han documentado como especies potencialmente productoras de toxinas. La riqueza de especies en el SAV se considera muy baja, especialmente considerando mayores riquezas en otras zonas del Golfo de México, como el sur del Golfo de México, donde se han listado 53 especies del orden Dinophysiales y 14 especies de Prorocentrales.

Dinoflagellates (Dinophyta) of orders Dinophysiales and Prorocentrales of the Veracruz Reef System, Mexico. Dinoflagellates are a major taxonomic group in marine phytoplankton communities in terms of diversity and biomass. Some species are also important because they form blooms and/or produce toxins that may cause diverse problems. The composition of planktonic dinoflagellates of the orders Prorocentrales and Dinophysiales, in the Veracruz Reef System, were obtained during the period of October 2006 to January 2007. For this, samples were taken from the surface at 10 stations with net of 30μm mesh, and were analyzed by light and scanning electron microscopy. Each species was described and illustrated, measured and their distribution and ecological data is also given. A total of nine species were found and identified, belonging to four genera: Dinophysis was represented by three species; Prorocentrum by three, Phalacroma by two, and only one species of Ornithocercus was detected. From the samples, four potentially toxin-producer species were found: Dinophysis caudata, D. rapa, Phalacroma rotundata and Prorocentrum micans. The number of species found in this study is low, especially considering the higher numbers observed in other areas of the Gulf of Mexico, where some reports have recorded up to 53 species of the order Dinophysiales and 14 for Prorocentrales. Identification keys for orders, genera and species for the study area are provided with this study. Rev. Biol. Trop. 59 (1): 501-514. Epub 2011 March 01.