Reliable determination of <i>Prorocentrum micans</i> Ehrenb. (Prorocentrales, Dinophyceae) based on newly collected material from the type locality

The Prorocentrales are a unique group of dinophytes based on several apomorphic traits, but species delimitation is challenging within the group. The type species of <i>Prorocentrum</i>, namely <i>P. micans</i>, cannot be determined unambiguously, as important characters are not preserved in the original material collected in the first half of the 19th century. Water samples were taken at the type locality of <i>P. micans</i> in the Baltic Sea off Kiel (Germany) and strains with a morphology consistent with the protologue were established. An in-depth morphological analysis was performed, illustrating minute traits such as the periflagellar platelets and three different types of thecal pores. rRNA sequence data allowed for molecular characterization of the species. The newly collected material of <i>P. micans</i> was used for epitypification with the result that the type species of <i>Prorocentrum</i> can now be determined unambiguously.