Nanoflagellates of the central California waters: taxonomy, biogeography and abundance of primitive, green flagellates (Pedinophyceae, Prasinophyceae)

Examination of whole mounts of cells prepared from samples collected off central California, September 1989, has led to the identification of 14 taxa of primitive green nanoflagellates from the Pedinophyceae (1 species) and the Prasinophyceae (13 species). Three of the prasinophyte taxa are new to science.

The finding of these new taxa, provisionally identified as Prasinophyte “Point Sur” sp. 1, 2, 3, is important because it emphasizes the persistent, overall lack of knowledge of prasinophyte biodiversity, and also because these forms combine prasinophycean features in a unique way that ultimately may question the currently accepted taxonomic system.

The abundance estimates suggest that prasinophytes are most numerous in coastal waters and are relatively absent from oceanic regimes.