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Technical Fact Sheets

This section provides technical information about numerous harmful algal bloom species. Read about species distribution, habitat, identification characteristics, and what researchers know about the organism.

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Alexandrium monilatum (49KB)
The blooms of this dinoflagellate caused water discoloration in Tampa bay during the summer of 2000.

Chattonella subsalsa (69KB)
This species produces brevetoxins—toxins similar to those produced by Karenia brevis.

Cryptoperidiniopsoid Species (40KB)
This benthic dinoflagellate occurs in some areas with concurrent fish kills.

Dinophysis Group (100KB)
Species in this group produce okadaic acid, which has been implicated in diarrheic shellfish poisoning.

Gambierdiscus toxicus (109KB)
This dinoflagellate is Florida's second most problematic harmful algal bloom species.

Gymnodinium catenatum (43KB)
Gymnodinium catenatum has not been found in the Gulf of Mexico.

Karenia brevis (formerly Gymnodinium breve) (99KB)
This species is the most common cause of red tides on Florida's west coast.

Karenia mikimotoi (formerly Gymnodinium mikimotoi) (64KB)
This dinoflagellate is found in Florida and Texas marine waters and is often confused with Karenia brevis, Florida's red tide organism.

Karlodinium micrum (formerly Gyrodinium galatheanum) (47KB)
Karlodinium micrum is often confused with other small dinoflagellates.

Pfiesteria Species (71KB)
Pfiesteria species have been identified from North America, South America, Mexico, Europe (including Scandinavia), Australia, and New Zealand.

Benthic Prorocentrum Group (138KB)
Examples of these dinoflagellates include Prorocentrum belizeanum, P. hoffmannianum, P. lima, and P. mexicanum

Takayama pulchella (formerly Gymnodinium pulchellum) (43KB)
This dinoflagellate has been associated with fish kills.