Home / Dinophyceae /Photosynthetic / Alexandrium
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Name derivation:
Classification:
Alexandrium Halim 1960; 33 of 40 species descriptions are currently accepted taxonomically (Guiry and Guiry 2015). Order Gonyaulacales Family Goniiodomataceae
Morphology:
Cell has a median cinulum descending ~1 cingular width, and lacking horns and spines. Usually a smooth thecal surface. Large apical pore plate. See more detail here. No bioluminescence is known.
Similar genera:
Habitat:
Marine plankton; often forms ‘red tide’ toxic blooms including saxitoxin that is ingested by shellfish, causing ‘paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) and requiring closure of shellfish harvesting while present.
References:
Guiry, M.D. and G.M. Guiry 2013. AlgaeBase. World-wide electronic publication, National University of Ireland, Galway. http://www.algaebase.org; searched on 08 February 2013.