Characterization of Prorocentrum elegans and Prorocentrum levis (Dinophyceae) from the southeastern Bay of Biscay by morphology and molecular phylogeny

8 páginas, 1 tabla, 5 figurasBenthic Prorocentrum species can produce toxins that adversely affect animals and human health. They are known to co-occur with other bloom-forming, potentially toxic, benthic dinoflagellates of the genera Ostreopsis, Coolia, and Gambierdiscus. In this study, we report on the presence of P. elegans M.Faust and P. levis M.A.Faust, Kibler, Vandersea, P.A. Tester & Litaker from the southeastern Bay of Biscay. Sampling was carried out in the Summer-Autumn 2010–2012 along the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula, but these two species were only found in the northeastern part of the Peninsula. Strains were isolated from macroalgae collected from rocky-shore areas bordering accessible beaches. Morphological traits of isolated strains were analyzed by LM and SEM, whereas molecular analyses were performed using the LSU and internal transcribed spacer (ITS)1-5.8S-ITS2 regions of the rDNA. A bioassay with Artemia fransciscana and liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry analyses were used to check the toxicity of the species, whose results were negative. The strains mostly corresponded to their species original morphological characterization, which is supported by the phylogenetic analyses in the case of P. levis, whereas for P. elegans, this is the first known molecular characterization. This is also the second known report of P. elegansFinancial support for this research was provided by the Department for Environment of Bizkaiko Foru Aldundia, the Bilbao-Bizkaia Water Consortium, and the Basque Government (project IT-417-07). A grant from the University of the Basque Country to H. David and a specialization fellowship for PhD researchers awarded by the University of the Basque Country to A. Laza-Martínez also supported this study. And also Project PIE 201270E032.Peer reviewe