DUNALIELLA-SALINA FROM SALINE ENVIRONMENTS OF THE CENTRAL COAST OF PERU

An evaluation of the algal flora of the Salinas de Huacho on the coast of Peru between 1984 and 1990 was carried out by collection of algal mats and natural waters from a variety of habitats and by microscopic examination. D. salina occurred in lagoons and pools with a salinity r ange of 165 parts per thousand to 350 parts per thousand and formed pl anktonic and benthic communities. The benthic palmelloid stage of D. s alina was found at higher salinities. Aplanospore formation was also o bserved. Associated halophilic species included D. viridis, Oscillator ia tenuis and Pleurocapsa entophysaloides. D. salina was also found at two other salinas on the central Peruvian coast (Chilca and Otuma).