An unusual occurrence of Hemiaulus membranaceus Cleve (Bacillariophyceae) with Richelia intracellularis Schmidt (Cyanophyceae) off the coast of Southern California in October 1976

Abstract

An unusual occurrence of the diatom Hemiaulus membranaceus Cleve in association with the blue-green alga Richelia intracellularis Schmidt is described off the coast of Southern California in October 1976. The occurrence may be related to the observed higher than average temperatures for that time of the year. No clear evidence was seen that nitrogen fixation by the Richelia was contributing to phytoplankton production in this coastal environment.