Biecheleriopsis adriatica (Dinophyceae: Suessiaceae): the first record from the Eastern Pacific Ocean

Biecheleriopsis adriatica is a brittle dinoflagellate first described from the Adriatic Sea. In the present study, not only the presence of this species, but also the order Suessiales, is recorded for the first time in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, specifically in Todos Santos Bay, northwestern Mexico. The specimens found were collected at three sampling stations in November 2020. A molecular analysis was carried out based on the amplification of the 28 s rDNA gene, and cell morphology was examined using light microscopy. The analyses confirmed the identity and the first record of Biecheleriopsis adriatica in the area. Phylogenetically, the sequences formed a monophyletic group with those from GenBank for the Adriatic Sea and the Indo-Pacific; the morphology was consistent with the original and later descriptions. These results suggest that the diversity of the Suessiales in Mexico had been underestimated and the potential presence of a greater number of species of this group in the region.

Automated summary

This study documented the presence of Biecheleriopsis adriatica and Suessiales order for the first time in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, particularly in Todos Santos Bay, northwestern Mexico. Molecular analysis and cell morphology examination confirmed the identity and suggested underestimated diversity of Suessiales in the region.