The Diversity and Density of Marine Dinoflagellates in the Middle Zone of the Straits Of Malacca

Abstracts: Research on dinoflagellate species have been carried out at almost all countries in the world including Malaysia. However, information reported on the distribution of dinoflagellates in the Straits of Malacca was limited. The outbreak of red tide and toxic algal bloom were frequently reported in this region, it is necessary to update species composition and density of dinoflagellates. Therefore the primary objective of this study is to update general data related about dinoflagellates found in the middle zone of Malacca Straits which was from Penang Island to Port Klang. Samples were taken at predetermine stations using “Van Dorm ” water sampler, preserved in Lugol’s iodine solution and brought to laboratory for identification. Inverted microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used for identification. Samplings were conducted during two different seasons, northeast monsoon season (NEM) and pre southwest monsoon season (SWM) for any variation in species diversity, specie