Choanoflagellates from the subarctic North Pacific Ocean, with descriptions of two new species

Abstract

Samples collected over a period of 10 years throughout the euphotic zone of the eastern subarctic Pacific Ocean were analyzed for choanoflagellates; of the 28 species observed, 6 were most abundant. Two new species (Parvicorbicula superpositus and Pleurasiga tricaudata) are described; four other taxa displayed major differences from the most closely related species. All species were found throughout the water column and all specimens were free-living; none were attached to other particles. No endemic species were found.