Abstract

• Phytoplankton species were studied from Andin coastal water from December 2019 to August 2020. A total of 74 species of phytoplankton were identified and comprised 36 species of centric diatoms, 29 species of pennate diatoms and 9 species of dinoflagellates. The percentage composition of centric diatoms ranges from 63% to 68%, pennate diatoms range from 30% to 35% and dinoflagellates with 2% were observed. Species composition and abundance were found to be highest at Station III (2597 no/m³) and lowest at Station II (2191 no/m³). The index values encountered from Andin coastal water ranged between 3.73 and 3.76 for the species diversity index (H'), between 0.85 and 0.87 for evenness index (E'), and between 9.28 and 9.49 for species richness index (D'). The maximum salinity value of 30‰ was found in February and the minimum value of 24‰ was found in August. The highest water temperature of 31°C was found in February and the lowest water temperature value of 28°C and was found in August. This paper represents part of the ongoing effects to revise and document the phytoplankton of Andin coastal water.