Akashiwo sanguinea (Dinophyceae) extruding mucous from pores on the cell surface

doi:2014.29.3.197

Algae > Volume 29(3); 2014 > Article

Algae 2014;29(3): 197-201. doi: https://doi.org/10.4490/algae.2014.29.3.197

Susan Badylak¹, Edward J. Phlips¹^,*, A. Loren Mathews¹ and Karen Kelley²

¹Fisheries and Aquatic Science, School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, 7922 NW 71 St., Gainesville, FL 32653, USA
²ICBR Electron Microscopy and BioImaging Laboratory, University of Florida, 1052 Museum Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611-0700, USA

*Corresponding Author

Email: phlips@ufl.edu

ABSTRACT

This is the first recorded observation of Akashiwo sanguinea excreting mucilaginous substances from pores on the cell surface. Observations were from samples collected in the Caloosahatchee Estuary, Florida, USA during a bloom event, with densities of 672 cells mL-1 of A. sanguinea, including 51 cells surrounded by mucous. Scanning electron microscopy observations revealed that the mucous was secreted from thecal pores on the cell surface. The potential significance of mucous production is discussed.

Key words: Akashiwo sanguinea; cyst; dinoflagellate; HAB; mucocyst; reproduction; trichocyst