Morphomolecular studies of Ceratocorys species (Dinophyceae, Gonyaulacales, Protoceratiaceae) reveal that Ceratocorys armata , C. gourretii, and C. horrida are conspecific and should be considered formae of C. horrida
Morphomolecular analysis uncovers that Ceratocorys armata and Ceratocorys gourretii are forms of Ceratocorys horrida, highlighting their genetic identity.
Key Points
Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the genetic identity of Ceratocorys armata, C. gourretii, and C. horrida.
Morphological intergradations were observed between the distinct Ceratocorys species, indicating a continuum rather than clear separations.
Integrated morphomolecular approaches were utilized across samples from Vietnam, Japan, and France for this analysis.
Ceratocorys malayensis was validated as a separate species, with the remaining species proposed as formae.