Scrippsiella precaria sp. nov. (Dinophyceae), a marine dinoflagellate from the Gulf of Naples

Abstract
Serippsiella preearia sp. nov. (Dinophyceae) is described from coastal waters of the Gulf of Naples; it shows a plate formula which is typical for the genus (Po, X, 4′, 3a, 7″, 6C, 5S, 5′″, 0p, 2″″). The shape and arrangement of the intercalary plates are distinctive characters for the species. Plates 1a and 3a are connected and similar in shape and size whereas plate 2a is much smaller and located at the posterior end of the suture between 1a and 3a. A general asymmetry in the plate pattern is evident, particularly in the epitheca. Spiny calcareous resting cysts, formed in clonal cultures, are described. Relationships with other species in the genus also are discussed.