This study confirms the presence of Gambierdiscus sp., Ostreopsis sp. as well as other
epiphytic benthic dinoflagellates associated with Ciguatera Fish Poisoning (CFP) in the
Central Red Sea, highlighting the potential occurrence of CFP in this region. These species
are reported for the first time in Saudi Arabian coastal waters. A total of 80 Turbinaria and
Halimeda macroalgae samples were collected from coral reefs off the Saudi Arabian coast.
Sample analyses indicated low average cell abundances (< 40 cells g-1 wet weight algae) of
Gambierdiscus sp. and Ostreopsis sp. Subsequent statistical analyses indicated a significant
difference in the cell abundances of both genera between sampling sites, between species and
between inshore and offshore reefs. The presence of several potentially toxigenic
dinoflagellate species in the Red Sea and the statistical differences in abundances between
different sampling sites merits future study on possible impacts of these dinoflagellates on
marine food webs and human health.
| Date of Award | Dec 2012 |
|---|
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|
| Awarding Institution | - Biological, Environmental Sciences and Engineering
|
|---|
| Supervisor | Michael Berumen (Supervisor) |
|---|
- Gambierdiscus
- Ciguatera
- Ostreopsis
- Red Sea