The living Coccolithophorids (Haptophytes) in coastal waters of Khanhhoa province, Central Vietnam

Abstract

Seawater samples from three bays, Vanphong – Bengoi, Nhatrang and Camranh, were examined for haptophyte algae. This is the first investigation for species composition of haptophytes in Vietnamese coastal waters as well as the third contribution from the South China Sea. Sixteen taxa were recorded including two undescribed species of holococcolithophorids. Vanphong–Bengoi bay has a high species number and abundance. Emiliania huxleyi, Gephyrocapsa oceanica, G. protohuxleyi were the most common species in the three bays. Deformation of coccolithophorids was also recorded.