OBSERVATIONS ON THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN THE DIATOM, FRAGILARIOPSIS-DOLIOLUS WALLICH, AND THE TINTINNID, SALPINGELLA-SUBCONICA KAFOID

We present observations on an association between the ribbon-forming d iatom Fragilariopsis doliolus and the tintinnid, Salpingella subconica . The rate of occurrence of the tintinnid on the diatom, although high ly variable, was as high as 30% of all F. doliolus ribbons counted. We suggest that by attaching itself to the diatom, the tintinnid may gai n benefits including buoyancy and immunity from predation by copepods.