Ostreopsis Johs.Schmidt, 1901

Holotype species: Ostreopsis siamensis Johs. Schmidt

Original publication and holotype designation: Schmidt, J. (1901). Flora of Koh Chang. Contributions to the knowledge of the vegetation in the Gulf of Siam. Peridiniales. Botanisk Tidsskrift 24: 212-221.

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Description: Benthic, phototrophic, unicellular biflagellate heterodynamic cells of medium size (30-110 µm) with cell wall of cellulosic plates. Plate formula : Po, 3', 7", 6c, 6-8s, 5"',1p, 2"", for O. labens in addition a ventral pore plate and a curved, ridged plate is described in the sulcus. Cells are apical-antapically compressed, ovoid in apical and antapical view but lens-shaped in ventral or dorsal view. The apical pore is a long slit, displaced to the left dorsal side. The cingulum is deeply impressed, the small recessed sulcus is restricted to the hyposome, with one sulcal list. Nucleus of the dinokarotic type, spherical, located posteriorly. Chloroplasts present. One species reported to be mixotrophic, feeding on ciliates or other prey. Species of Ostreopsis are regarded as producing okadaic acid and other toxins causing ciguatera; for a synopsis of literature see Faust et al. (1996). Habitat: Marine coastal regions of tropical and subtropical oceans; two species in the Mediterranean Sea. Living epiphytic or benthic on macroalgae, corals or detritus.

Information contributed by: M. Elbrächter. The most recent alteration to this page was made on 2024-06-13 by M.D. Guiry.

Taxonomic status: This name is of an entity that is currently accepted taxonomically.

Gender: This genus name is currently treated as feminine.

Most recent taxonomic treatment adopted: Hoppenrath, M., Murray, S.A., Chomérat, N. & Horiguchi, T. (2014). Marine benthic dinoflagellates - unveiling their worldwide biodiversity. Kleine Senckenberg-Reihe Vol. 54. pp. [1]-276. Frankfurt am Main & Stuttgart: V. Mosbrugger & E. Schweizerbartsche Verlagsbuchhandlung.

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Contributors
Some of the descriptions included in AlgaeBase were originally from the unpublished Encyclopedia of Algal Genera, organised in the 1990s by Dr Bruce Parker on behalf of the Phycological Society of America (PSA) and intended to be published in CD format. These AlgaeBase descriptions are now being continually updated, and each current contributor is identified above. The PSA and AlgaeBase warmly acknowledge the generosity of all past and present contributors and particularly the work of Dr Parker.

Descriptions of chrysophyte genera were subsequently published in J. Kristiansen & H.R. Preisig (eds.). 2001. Encyclopedia of Chrysophyte Genera. Bibliotheca Phycologica 110: 1-260.

Linking to this page: https://www.algaebase.org/search/genus/detail/?genus_id=44664

Citing AlgaeBase
Cite this record as:
M.D. Guiry in Guiry, M.D. & Guiry, G.M. 13 June 2024. AlgaeBase. World-wide electronic publication, National University of Ireland, Galway. https://www.algaebase.org; searched on 22 November 2024