Distribution of tintinnids (Ciliophora, Tintinnida) in Yellow Sea in summer, 2010

Abstract

The distribution of tintinnids (Ciliophora, Tintinnida) was investigated based on samples collected in the Yellow Sea in summer. A total of 23 tintinnid species, belonging to 11 genera, were recorded in the 158 samples analyzed. As a general trend, tintinnid abundance and species composition reflected the degree of variability in the hydrological conditions. Coxliella sp. was especially a dominant species at 10 m depth. The species diversity of tintinnids was low at SCML (Subsurface Chlorophyll Maximum Layer, about 30 m depth) where Stenosemella nivalis and S. ventricosa mainly occurred in low abundance (<165 cells L-1). Species in the genera Tintinnopsis and Stenosemella relatively widely distributed from SCML to BCML(Bottom Cold Water Layer), such as Stenosemella nivalis, S. ventricosa, Tintinnopsis beroidea, T. parvula and T. lohmani. On the other hand, cold water species such as Ptychocylis obtusa and Parafavella gigantea occurred at five St.(B4, C2, D3, D5, E3). Tintinnidium primitivum was dominantly observed in YSBCW and detected from the most of sampling stations except for St. A3 and B2. Further investigation about the ecological characteristics of T. primitivum will progress to understand its role in the energy flow within lower trophic level in YSBCW.