Publication Date:
2024-04-25
Description:
Mexican studies on marine benthic dinoflagellates (MBD) began in 1942 from the offshore region
of Oaxaca, based on water column samples. Subsequently, in ten Mexican maritime states, both epibenthos
and plankton samples have been collected, species have been cultured, and field and laboratory studies
have been carried out. Goals: The objective of this contribution is to review the studies on MBD in Mexican
waters for current status and future risk assessment. Methods: Available literature on MBD from Mexico
published from 1942 to 2022 was analyzed. Results: A review of the studies on MBD is presented herein,
subdivided into four sections: (1) taxonomic diversity (morphological and molecular), (2) benthic phycotoxin
vectors and toxigenicity, (3) toxicity and (4) species interactions. A map of the location of field populations of
MBD and a reference list of taxonomic and ecological studies on MBD in Mexico is provided. A taxonomic list
of ca. 60 species, mainly of Prorocentrum, followed in number by Amphidinium, Gambierdiscus, Ostreopsis,
Coolia, and Sinophysis is presented. This list is accompanied by scanning electron microscopic images of 15
species. Knowledge of the toxigenicity of MBD is scarce, hence a reference table of known toxigenic species
in Mexico and their respective associated syndromes is included. Conclusions: Studies on MBD in Mexico
have slowly increased, probably due to the availability of a greater number of cultured strains, as well as to
more extensive international collaborations. Confirmed links between benthic harmful algal bloom species
and events associated with the etiology of toxic syndromes are rarely known in Mexico.
Repository Name:
EPIC Alfred Wegener Institut
Type:
Article
,
isiRev
Format:
application/pdf
