Tintinnina (ciliophora, protista) of the North Sea during the spring of 1986

Abstract

This work is the first of a series in which the distribution patterns and the importance of the Tintinnina in the trophic chain of the North Sea are evaluated. In agreement with Foissner (1994), who stated "Most ecological papers on planktonic protozoans lack reliable identifications and modem nomenclature . . .", the series will start with the results of a taxonomic revision. Illustrations and brief descriptions of the 23 Tintinnina species found in this analysis are given, as well as comments about species identification. Differences between the present results and the previous work of Lindley (1975) can indicate some changes in the species structure. A higher number of species was found than that found by Lindley (1975) in seasonal samplings.