The distribution and morphology of tintinnids (ciliate protozoans) from the coastal waters around New Zealand

Tintinnids from the surface plankton of New Zealand coastal waters are illustrated with scanning electron micrographs. Brief notes are given on their taxonomy, and their use of silica grains, diatom valves, and coccoliths in construction of the lorica is discussed. Distributional data are given for each species and these are related to the hydrological regime.