Microscopic examination of live N. scintillans
cells collected during the bloom revealed the presence
of microalgae species, including diatoms and
autotrophic dinoflagellates. The largest cell density of
microalgae within the N. scintillans body was
represented by the diatom Melosira spp. (Figure 6).
Cell density of Melosira spp. at Sta. 1 in the peak of
bloom was 5x105 cells l-1, however their density
sharply decreased afterwards simultaneously with chla.
N. scintillans was found to be a single dominant
species constituting 99% of the current population,
while Melosira spp. dominated the phytoplankton
density (80 %).