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Alveolates and stramenopiles in the coral reef microbenthos
Author(s) -
LOBBAN CHRISTOPHER S.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
journal of eukaryotic microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.067
H-Index - 77
eISSN - 1550-7408
pISSN - 1066-5234
DOI - 10.1111/j.1550-7408.2005.05202003_1_53.x
Subject(s) - biology , zooxanthellae , reef , benthic zone , coral reef , biodiversity , ecology , great barrier reef , zoology , symbiosis , paleontology , bacteria
Protists are notably absent from reef biodiversity checklists, with the exception of forams. A recent comprehensive compilation for Guam listed 303 forams, which indicate the level of biodiversity, yet there were only two other protozoans and no lists for benthic microalgae. My studies of the microbenthos began with some tube‐dwelling diatoms and colonial Pelagophyceae that form macroscopic, seaweed‐like colonies. More recently, I have become interested in two ciliates with symbiotic zooxanthellae, and in looking for these have begun to notice other protists. This presentation will display a “rogue's gallery” of microbenthos, beginning with the alveolates (ciliates— Condylostoma sp. and Euplotes spp. in particular; dinos and the symbioses), then some stramenopiles: diatoms and pelagophytes. The audience will be invited to identify the mystery ciliates and I hope the stills and videos will whet your appetite to study tropical reefs.