DIVERSITY OF POTENTIALLY TOXIC BENTHIC DINOFLAGELLATES IN INDONESIAN WATERS

Abstract

Ciguatera Fish Poisoning (CFP) is a syndrome caused by ciguatoxin-producing benthic dinoflagellate, which are typically attached to macroalgae. The toxin is responsible for the human poisoning symptom observed after the consumption of contaminated reef fish. Research on the composition and abundance of benthic dinoflagellate on macroalgae had already conducted within the 2010 - 2015 at several coral reef areas in Indonesian waters, such as Weh Island - Aceh, Belitung Island, Lampung Bay, Seribu Islands, and Lombok Island. This study reviewed all the references concern on benthic dinoflagellate researches in Indonesia, with aims to raise awareness on the presence of potentially toxic benthic dinoflagellates in Indonesian waters, also to create an inventory of the species discovered. The study revealed four of the six genera which are potentially toxic, namely Amphidinium, Gambierdiscus, Ostreopsis, and Prorocentrum. The Prorocentrum cells were identified in a larger number than any other genera in all the sampling locations. The relatively high number of benthic dinoflagellates were observed in Lampung Bay and Seribu Islands, which might be due to the high level of human activities. These findings are essential to compile a database on the CFP-causing species and to monitor the affected areas, specifically in highly populated locations or tourist sites.