Morphology, molecular phylogeny, and pigment characterization of an isolate of the dinoflagellate Pelagodinium bei from Korean waters

Abstract

The dinoflagellate genus <em>Pelagodinium</em> is genetically classified in distinct sub-clades and subgroups. However, it is difficult to determine whether this genetic diversity represents intra- or interspecific divergence within the genus since only the morphology of the type strain of the genus <em>Pelagodinium</em>, <em>Pelagodinium bei,</em> is available. An isolate associated with the genus <em>Pelagodinium</em> from Shiwha Bay, Korea, was recently cultured. This isolate was clustered with 3 to 4 strains from the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and Indian Ocean. This cluster was distinct from the subgroup more closely associated with <em>P. bei.</em> The morphology of the isolate was analyzed using optical and scanning electron microscopy and was almost identical to that of <em>P. bei</em> except that this isolate had two series of amphiesmal vesicles (AVs) in the cingulum, unlike <em>P. bei</em> that has one series. When the pigment compositions of the isolate and <em>P. bei </em>were analyzed using highperformance liquid chromatography, these two strains had peridinin as a major accessory pigment and their pigment compositions were almost identical. In addition, the swimming behaviors of these two strains were very similar. The reexamination of the type culture of<em> P. bei</em> revealed two series in the cingulum as for the isolate. The new findings on the number of series of AVs in the cingulum, the pigment composition, and the swimming behaviors suggest that <em>P. bei </em>and the isolate are conspecific despite their genetic divergence. This study provides a basis to further understand the molecular classification within Pelagodinium combining genetic, morphological, pigment, and behavioral data.