Histioneis (Dinophysiales, Dinophyceae) from the western Pacific Ocean.

The distribution of the dinoflagellate Histioneis was studied in the vicinity of the Kuroshio Current, the Philippine, Celebes, Sulu and South China Seas and the western and central equatorial Pacific Ocean. A total of 65 specimens, assigned to 17 species, was observed. For the first time, photomicrographs of several species are reported. Histioneis cymbalaria and H. longicollis were the most common. Nearly all specimens were recorded from 0–70 m depth, and the highest abundance was recorded in the Philippine Sea in July (32°N, 138°E, 30 m depth) with a maximum of 32 individuals per litre. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]