Reinstatement of the genus Exuviaella (Dinophyceae, Prorocentrophycidae) and an assessment of Prorocentrum lima*

Abstract Arguments are presented for splitting the genus Prorocentrum (sensu Dodge) by reinstating the genus Exuviaella Cienkowski defined by Exuviaella marina Cienkowski. The reason for making this separation is that new information has become available for species included in Exuviaella and Prorocentrum. Species of Exuviaella are relatively large marine prorocentroids, primarily benthic in habit. There is no obvious apical spine or tooth and thecal spines are absent. Thecal pores are associated with mucocysts, and species of Exuviaella elaborate complex polyether secondary metabolites (DSP-type toxins) that are unknown in other prorocentroids. Recent molecular phylogenetic data strongly support a separation of genera. In addition to Exuviaella lima (as Prorocentrum lima sensu Dodge), two other species, Prorocentrum maculosum M.A. Faust and Prorocentrum hoffmannianum M.A. Faust, are transferred to Exuviaella. This genus may contain additional species described in Prorocentrum, but further information is ...