Alexandrium camurascutulum sp nov (Dinophyceae): a new dinoflagellate species from New Zealand

A new species, Alexandrium camurascutulum sp. nov. MacKenzie et Todd, is described from specimens collected from Tasman Bay and the Marlborough Sounds New Zealand. These small (26-28 mu m long x 21-24 mu m wide) cells can be discriminated from other species in the Alexandrium minutum group by three distinctive morphological features. The sixth pre-cingular plate (6 '') is up to 1.6 times wider than high and the left side of the plate is concave resulting in a markedly 'hooked' appearance. In all specimens observed, the first apical plate (1') does not directly connect with the apical pore plate (Po) and the posterior sulcal plate (S.p.) is markedly different from the usual A. minutum form and may contain a posterior attachment pore (pap) connected to the right side plate margin. The cells may or may not have an anterior attachment pore (aap) in the apical pore plate (Po). The cells display a prominent list along the left sulcal margin and the thecal surface is perforated with numerous areolated pores. A. camurascutulum sp. nov. has been observed occasionally over a number of years in coastal waters of the northern South Island of New Zealand. There is circumstantial evidence that suggests it is not toxic. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.