First Report of the Marine Benthic Dinoflagellate Bysmatrum subsalsum from Korean Tidal Pools

Dense patches were observed in the tidal pools of southern area Korea. To clarify causative organisms, cells collected and their morphological features examined using light scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, after establishing strains for molecular phylogeny was inferred with concatenated small subunit (SSU) large (LSU) rRNA sequences. The characterized by a nucleus hypotheca, strong reticulations thecal plates, separation plates 2a 3a, tear-shaped apical pore complex, an elongated rectangular 1a plate absence right sulcal list. formula Po, X, 4′, 7″, 6c, 4S, 5′′′, 2′′′′. Based on these features, identified as Bysmatrum subsalsum. culture, spherical cysts B. subsalsum without observed. Molecular revealed two ribotypes are identified; Korean isolates nested within ribotype B consisting from China, Malaysia French Atlantic, whereas A includes only Mediterranean Sea. phylogeny, austrafrum grouped. This can be supported similarity between species, indicating that species may conspecific, however distinguish austrafrum, because differences types eyespots reported previous studies. These findings support idea there is cryptic diversity