The seasonal cycles and vertical distribution of tintinnines in Bedford Basin, Nova Scotia, Canada

The vertical distribution and seasonal cycle of tintinnine species were studied in Bedford Basin at a fixed station on 60 visits over an 18-month period. About 23 species of tintinnines belonging to 9 families were identified but only 12 were numerically dominant. Maximal numbers (102 to 104/L) were found in late summer and fall and minimal numbers (101 to 102/L), in late winter. The hyaline species of tintinnines occurred mostly in summer and fall, while agglomerated species dominated during other seasons. The total tintinnines contributed 35% (range, 3 to 55%) numerically and 2.5% (range, 0.05 to 16%) in terms of carbon to the microzooplankton in the Bedford Basin. The survival strategies employed by some species of tintinnines reasonably explain their seasonal cycle of abundance.