Pyramimonas tychotreta, sp. nov. (prasinophyceae), a new marine species from antarctica: light and electron microscopy of the motile stage and notes on growth rates

Abstract

An undescribed marine prasinophyte, Pyramimonas tychotreta, sp. nov., was isolated from a water sample collected near the ice edge in the Weddell Sea (Antarctica) and is characterized by means of light and electron microscopy. This is the second described Antarctic species in the genus and it possesses a cell ultrastructure typical for members of the subgenus Vestigifera McFadden. The quadriflagellated cells measure 8–12 μm in length and 6–7 μm in width and are equipped with seven types of organic scales that cover the flagella and cell body. The scale floor of the box scales is ornamented by quadrants of parallel striations running perpendicular to one another. The scale floor is further characterized by a number of randomly positioned perforations. The wall of the box scales may be solid or possess up to five perforations. The base of the crown scales is square with rounded corners. It is formed of two crossed ribs, the extremities of which are interconnected by a peripheral rib. Four upright arms, attached to the peripheral rib in positions slightly offset from its junction with the cross ribs, join up with the distal extremity of a central upright strut. Each arm possesses two spines. The limuloid scales are cross‐striped by 10–12 ribs. Some details of the flagellar apparatus are briefly reported. Pyramimonas tychotreta is compared with other species of the genus. Experiments were conducted to study the response of growth rate to variations in temperature and salinity in the clonal culture. The best growth rate (0.45 divisions·24 h−1) was found at 4.6° C; growth ceased at temperatures in excess of 12° C. Growth in salinities ranging from 15 to 35 psu was similar, but was arrested at 10 psu. These studies suggest that P. tychotreta as a cold stenotherm and euryhaline taxon. New observations are presented on the geographic distribution of previously described species of Pyramimonas Schmarda from the Northern Foxe Basin, Canada.