Morphology and distribution of the three epiphytic dinoflagellate species Coolia monotis, C. tropicalis, and C. canariensis (Ostreopsidaceae, Gonyaulacales, Dinophyceae) from Vietnamese coastal waters

Abstract

Three epiphytic dinoflagellate species of the genus Coolia isolated from Vietnamese coastal waters were identified and described. Among the three Coolia species, Coolia monotis, C. tropicalis and C. canariensis, the latter two are recorded for the first time in Vietnam. The morphology of these species is illustrated by light and scanning electron micrographs. The heavily areolated thecal surface of C. areolata and the apical quadrangular 3′ plate of C. malayensis have been reported in original descriptions. The two species C. areolata and C. malayensis were not found in this study.