Dinophysis | Dinoflagellate

Order: Dinophysiales
Family: Dinophysiaceae

Description: Cells small to medium. Almost round in the lateral view with concave ventral and dorsal edges.

Cell Size: Length = 36-56um

Distribution: Oceanic, planktonic, benthic, neritic, worldwide.

Interesting Facts: Some species produce okadaic acid and dinophysistoxins, which cause diarrhetic shellfish poisoning. Dynophysis is synomous with Phalacroma rotundatum.

Common Species: D. acuminata, D. fortii, D. tripos, and Dinophysis.