Coccolithophorids from the Marquesas Islands and atolls in the Tuamotu and Society Archipelagos (South Pacific Ocean)
Abstract
Coccospheres and loose coccoliths were found on solid substrates (intertidal sediments and macroalgae) collected from the Marquesas Islands and atolls in the Tuamotu and Society Archipelagos, South Pacific Ocean. Visual observations suggest that the species diversity (11 taxa) and abundances were both low; however, the presence of Braarudosphaera bigelowii, Cruciplacolithus neohelis and Gephyrocapsa oceanica coccospheres provided evidence of a coastal assemblage. The association among the two species, B. bigelowii and C. neohelis, and living oyster shells was unusual, given that B. bigelowii is normally found in the plankton and C. neohelis on sand or coral fragments.