Abstract
The microreticulate resting cyst of the potentially toxic, chain-forming, unarmoured neritic dinoflagellate Gymnodinium catenalum Graham 1943. the planktonic stage of which is not known from North European waters, is reported for the first time from recent German coastal sediments of the North Sea and Baltic Sea. In sandy mud sediments of the German Bight, a maximum of 8 5 living cysts cm−3 were found. In Kiel Bight sediments G.catenalum was found in maximum concentrations of 17.0 living cysts cm−3. In surface waters of the German Bight resuspended G catenatum cysts were observed at concentrations of up to 3.6 cysts l−1. Successful germination experiments conducted with natural seawater show that the occurrence of a vegetative form of G.catenatum in northern Europe is very likely. The present study highlights that cyst surveys provide an important tool for the evaluation of areas with potential toxicity problems, as they may indicate the presence of hitherto overlooked species in the water column.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
