Proliferation of Falcula hyalina and Cylindrotheca closterium (Bacillariophyceae) on copepods in Bahía de La Paz, Gulf of California, Mexico

Abstract

A proliferation of the epizoic diatoms Falcula hyalina and Cylindrotheca closterium occurred, respectively, on the exoskeleton of marine copepods Acartia tonsa and Paracalanus sp. Samples were collected in February and in October 2013 in Bahía de La Paz. Both represent the first proliferations of this epizoic microalgae reported in the Gulf of California. Seawater temperature was 19°C in February and 28°C in October. A short morphological description, cell measurements and distribution of both species are provided.