On vertical distribution of tintinnines (Ciliata,Oligotrichida, Tintinnina) in the open waters of the South Adriatic

The vertical distribution of tintinnines was studied in the open sea of the South Adriatic at a station near the city of Dubrovnik (Station 12) in the period from 1979–1980 as well as at 11 stations during a cruise in January 1980. Samples were taken with the 53-m Nansen type net equipped with a closing system. The hauls were taken in 7 vertical layers. In the area investigated 72 species of tintinnines were observed. Six dominating species contributed from 30 to 93%, an average of 63% of the total numerical abundance of tintinnines. Based on the occurrence of the majority of the population of individual species going from the surface towards the sea bottom, the tintinnines have been divided into 5 groups. Most of the species (42), presenting more than 90% of the population, were found in the layer between the surface and a depth of 100 m. Other species were found in deeper layers (rarely or almost never at the surface).