Benthic flattened cells of the phylogenetically related marine dinoflagellates Protoceratium reticulatum and Ceratocorys mariaovidiorum (Gonyaulacales): a new type of cyst?

A planktonic-benthic relationship has been described for many dinoflagellate species as part of their ecological strategy to overcome highly variable aquatic environments. Here, the phylogenetically and morphologically related marine dinoflagellates Protoceratium reticulatum and Ceratocorys mariaovidiorum were studied in relation to an unknown benthic life form. In vivo and fixed samples from cultures were analyzed in detail by light and scanning electron microscopy. In both species, a cell type with a morphology different from that of vegetative cells was observed in cultures grown until stationary phase. This cell type was always benthic, swimming sporadically only when it was disturbed. Its main feature included a strong dorsoventral compression. These cells originated from vegetative cells whose protoplasm underwent a progressive flattening, resulting in a gradual detachment of the reticulate and thick thecal plates and the formation of very thin non-reticulated new plates with pores. When returned to fresh full-strength medium, the cells recovered their spherical vegetative-like morphology, including new reticulated thick plates and subsequent cell divisions. The kinetics of flattened cell formation showed that in both species, this cell type increased exponentially until the onset of the culture stationary phase and then decreased. The results of this study are discussed in the context of the planktonic-benthic coupling in dinoflagellate life cycles, including those newly appreciated to be well adapted to the benthic environment.