A group of researchers have successfully identified a new dinoflagellate species. Part of the large group of eukaryotes (approx. 1555 species), the new species has distinct morphological characteristics and was named Archaeperidinium saanichi sp.nov. after Saanich Inlet, the place where, using an Ocean Networks Canada sediment trap, Dr. Vera Pospelova and her MSc student – Andrea Price collected samples and conducted their research that led to a publication in Marine Micropaleontology (see reference below).

The image shows cyst (left) and motile (right) stages of the new species.

Reference:

Mertens K.N., Yamaguchi A., Kawami H., Ribeiro S., Leander B.S., Price A.M., Pospelova V., Ellegaard M., Matsuoka K. 2012.Archaeperidinium saanichi sp. nov.: A new species based on morphological variation of cyst and theca within the Archaeperidinium minutum Jörgensen 1912 species complex. Marine Micropaleontology, Volumes 96–97, December 2012, pp. 48-62, ISSN 0377-8398, DOI:10.1016/j.marmicro.2012.08.002.