SEASONAL ABUNDANCE, BIOVOLUME AND GROWTH RATE OF THE HETEROTROPHIC DINOFLAGELLATE (NOCTILUCA SCINTILLANS) FROM COASTAL WATERS OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

The seasonal variation of Noctiluca scintillans was investigated from coastal areas of Karachi (Manora Channel), Pakistan. Total cell abundance ranged between < 100 cells l-1 to 1340 cells l-1 during the sampling period May 2002-July 2003. High cells densities were recorded during May 2003. No green or red water discolouration was observed. Cell size biovolume ranging between 100 µm-600 µm was used to convert to carbon biomass 4.5-6.8 pg C cell-l. Greatest Insitu growth rate of N. scintillans (µ day-1) during 2006 was calculated at 0.82 µ day-1.