Ecological and Phytogeographical Status and Species Composition of the Phytoplankton in the Gulf of Aqaba (Red Sea)

Abstract

One hundred and seven samples were collected from sea surface from 5 stations along the Jordanian coast of the Gulf of Aqaba. 188 species were identified under six phytoplankton classes. Dinoflagellates dominate sixty percent of the total species. Diatoms constituted 38% and other groups represented by 2%. The geographical distribution of the identified species, 37% cosmopolitan, 28% boreal-tropical, 17% tropical, 11% tropical-subtropical, 4% boreal, 2% arcto-boreal and% 1 was determined as subtropical. According to ecological distribution, 88% of the species are marine and 12% marine-brackish origin. Also, 80% of the species are of pelagic origin, and 20% are benthic origin species. The phytoplankton species composition, phytogeographic and ecological distribution and species origins were presented from 2007 through 2008.