Isolation and identification of endosymbiotic diatoms from planktonic and benthic species of foraminifera

Abstract

Planktonic foraminifera, Globigerina sp. and benthic foraminifera, Sorites orbiculus were collected, respectively, at coastal areas and near beaches of Sesoko Island, Okinawa, Japan. From these foraminifera, spheroid endosymbionts without frustules were isolated and cultivated. Since these isolates formed frustules, they were identified as diatoms. The symbiotic diatom from planktonic foraminifera was Amphora leeana sp. nov. From S. or biculus two diatom species, Nitzschia sp. and Nanofrustulum shiloi were recognized.