Macroalgal-associated dinoflagellates belonging to the genus Symbiodinium in Caribbean reefs.
Coral-algal symbiosis has been a subject of great attention during the last two decades in response to global coral reef decline. However, the occurrence and dispersion of free-living dinoflagellates belonging to the genus Symbiodinium are less documented. Here ecological and molecular evidence is presented demonstrating the existence of demersal free-living Symbiodinium populations in Caribbean reefs and the possible role of the stoplight parrotfish (Sparisoma viride) as Symbiodinium spp. dispersers. Communities of free-living Symbiodinium were found within macroalgal beds consisting of Halimeda spp., Lobophora variegata, Amphiroa spp., Caulerpa spp. and Dictyota spp. Viable Symbiodinium spp. cells were isolated and cultured from macroalgal beds and S. viride feces. Further identification of Symbiodinium spp. type was determined by length variation in the Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 (ITS2, nuclear rDNA) and length variation in domain V of the chloroplast large subunit ribosomal DNA (cp23S-rDNA). Determination of free-living Symbiodinium and mechanisms of dispersal is important in understanding the life cycle of Symbiodinium spp.
Porto
Isabel
I
Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas-Facultad de Ciencias, Laboratorio de Biología Molecular Marina, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Distrito Capital, Colombia.
Granados
Camila
C
Restrepo
Juan C
JC
Sánchez
Juan A
JA
D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D017691:Caribbean Region; D017931:DNA Primers; D004141:Dinoflagellida / Q000145:classification*; D056890:Eukaryota / Q000145:classification*; D008386:Marine Biology
D017931:DNA Primers