REPORT OF ARMORED DINOFLAGELLATES FROM WATERS SURROUNDING HORMUZ ISLAND (THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ)

Despite the scientific and strategic importance of the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman as well as a significant number of articles, there are still gaps in knowledge about their ecosystems. The knowledge on species composition and morphology of armored dinoflagellates in the vicinity of Hormuz Island (the Strait of Hormuz) are presented. Totally, 99 species (109 infra-specific taxa), belonging to 1 class. 6 orders, 13 families and 24 genera are reported. Seven species and 11 infra-specific taxa were found for the first time. Some new taxa are provided with the original descriptions and photographs. Moreover, based on a critical review of the literature on dinoflagellates discovered in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman up to the present investigation, a pilot checklist of dinoflagellates numbered 363 infra-specific taxa belonging to 81 genera was composed. By summing up previous and present knowledge, it turns out that the number of dinoflagellates recorded in these water bodies makes up 374 infra-specific taxa until now. The multispecies genera Ceratium and Protoperidinium made the greatest contribution to phytoplankton populations.