A review on marine benthic dinoflagellates in Mexico

Background: Mexican studies on marine benthic dinoflagellates (MBD) began in 1942 from the offshore region of Oaxaca, based on water column samples. Subsequently, in ten Mexican maritime states, both epibenthos and plankton samples have been collected, species have been cultured, and field and laboratory studies have been carried out. Goals: The objective of this contribution is to review the studies on MBD in Mexican waters for current status and future risk assessment. Methods: Available literature on MBD from Mexico published from 1942 to 2022 was analyzed. Results: A review of the studies on MBD is presented herein, subdivided into four sections: (1) taxonomic diversity (morphological and molecular), (2) benthic phycotoxin vectors and toxigenicity, (3) toxicity and (4) species interactions. A map of the location of field populations of MBD and a reference list of taxonomic and ecological studies on MBD in Mexico is provided. A taxonomic list of ca. 60 species, mainly of Prorocentrum, followed in number by Amphidinium, Gambierdiscus, Ostreopsis, Coolia, and Sinophysis is presented. This list is accompanied by scanning electron microscopic images of 15 species. Knowledge of the toxigenicity of MBD is scarce, hence a reference table of known toxigenic species in Mexico and their respective associated syndromes is included. Conclusions: Studies on MBD in Mexico have slowly increased, probably due to the availability of a greater number of cultured strains, as well as to more extensive international collaborations. Confirmed links between benthic harmful algal bloom species and events associated with the etiology of toxic syndromes are rarely known in Mexico.