The Prorocentrales (Dinophyceae). II. Revision of the taxonomy within the genus Prorocentrum

Abstract

A comprehensive review of the taxonomy of the genus Prorocentrum (which now includes Exuviaella) has been carried out for the first time since Schiller's monograph of 1933-7. All 64 valid taxa have been considered, besides a large number of illegitimate names. In view of the great intraspecific variation which takes place in these organisms, it is considered that the majority of the described taxa relate to varieties or aberrant forms. It is proposed to reduce the number of species from 64 to 21, which fall into five fairly distinct groups A key to the species is provided and new descriptions and figures are given. The possible phylogenetic relationships within the genus are considered.