Species: Alexandrium catenella| Dinoflagellate

Order: Gonyaulacales
Family: Goniodomataceae

Description: Armoured cells, typically spherical.

Cell Size: Less than 45um

Distribution: Coastal temperate to tropical waters.

Interesting Facts: Several species, including Alexandrium catenella, are toxic and/or bioluminescent. They produce saxo­toxins, among others, which lead to paralytic shellfish poisoning.

Red image: Epi-fluorescent microscopy, chloroplasts look red due to the auto fluorescing of chlorophyll.