The genus <i>Pseudo-nitzschia</i> (Bacillariophyceae) in Greek coastal waters

Abstract

Abstract We conducted a first study of Pseudo-nitzschia species and their morphological variability in the main shellfish farming and harvesting areas of Greece between 2004 and 2008. Water samples were collected and preserved, and unialgal cultures of Pseudo-nitzschia species were established. Both preserved and culture material of 12 taxa were examined by transmission electron microscopy and included P. delicatissima , P. fraudulenta , P. galaxiae , P. mannii , P. multistriata , P. pseudodelicatissima , P. pungens , P. subfraudulenta , one morphospecies similar to P. dolorosa and one strain corresponding to a P. delicatissima -like morphotype (all new records for Greek coastal waters); in addition, we found two previously recorded species, viz., P. calliantha and P. multiseries . We present ultrastructural descriptions and morphometric data for the local populations studied.