The First Record and Classification of Planktonic Radiolarian (Phylum Retaria) and Phaeodarian (Phylum Cercozoa) in the Eastern Indian Ocean

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Phylum Retaria and Phylum Cercozoa consists of the siliceous planktonic organisms, commonly referred to as Radiolarians, were investigated from 200 m depth to the surface in the eastern Indian Ocean (80.00°–96.10° E, 10.08° N–6.00° S) during a 2 months cruise (10 April–13 May 2014). Samples collected from 44 locations were analyzed by using both light and electron microscopy. Out of 168 taxa, 60 newly recorded species from the groups i.e., Acantharia, Collodaria, Pheodaria, Taxopodida and Polycystinea were recorded for the first time. ABSTRACT: Siliceous planktonic species of the phyla Retaria and Cercozoa were investigated from the surface to a 200 m depth around the eastern Indian Ocean (80.00°–96.10° E, 10.08° N–6.00° S) during a 2-month cruise (10 April–13 May 2014). These species are commonly referred to as Radiolarians and are found in all of the world’s oceans; however, this is a detailed investigation of the species’ diversity in the eastern Indian Ocean. Samples were collected from the eastern Indian Ocean using a plankton towing net during a vertical haul from 44 sampling stations, which resulted in 168 taxa, including 60 species that were newly recorded in the study area. The main purpose of this work was to identify members of the phyla Retaria and Cercozoa and their distribution in the eastern Indian Ocean. The species’ morphology, identification, notes, and new geographical records are briefly described.