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Name derivation
Gr. γόνυ- angle, aulax- groove (Ref. Gérard Giraud 2021)
Classification:
Gonyaulax Diesing 1866; 72 of 109 species descriptions are currently accepted taxonomically (Guiry and Guiry 2013). Order Gonyaulacales; Family Gonyaulacaceae
Morphology:
Heterodynamic biflagellates with thick cellulosic plates on its wall.Cingulum forms a spiral slightly longer than one turn. A few spines form on the hypothecal plates. Forms trichocysts. Some species are bioluminescent. Some are also mixotrophic (phagotrophic as well as photosynthetic) (Guiry and Guiry 2013).
Similar genera:
Taxonomic confusion has surrounded some species of Gonyaulax, Protoperidinium, Alexandrium Halim, Amylax Meunier, Protoceratium Bergh, Lingulodinium Wall and Melanodinium Schiller.
Habitat:
Marine plankton, rarely freshwater (one species).
References:
Guiry, M.D. & Guiry, G.M. 2013. AlgaeBase. World-wide electronic publication, National University of Ireland, Galway. http://www.algaebase.org; searched on 24 January 2013. Diesing, K.M. 1866. Revision der Prothelminthen. Abtheilung: Mastigophoren. Sitzungsber. Kaiserl. Akad. Wiss. Math.-Naturwiss. Cl. Abt 1 52: 287-401.
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