The genus Ceratium is restricted to a small number of freshwater dinoflagellate species. Previously the genus contained also a large number of marine dinoflagellate species. However, these marine species have now been assigned to a new genus called Tripos. Ceratium dinoflagellates are characterized by their armored plates, two flagella, and horns. They are found worldwide and are of concern due to their blooms.
Polarella is a dinoflagellate, and is the only extant genus of the Suessiaceae family. The genus was described in 1999 by Marina Montresor, Gabriele Procaccini, and Diane K. Stoecker, and contains only one species, Polarella glacialis. Polarella inhabits channels within ice formations in both the Arctic and Antarctic polar regions, where it plays an important role as a primary producer. Polarella is a thecate dinoflagellate, wherein the cell has an outer covering of cellulose plates, which are arranged in nine latitudinal series. The general morphology of Polarella is similar to that of a typical dinoflagellate. and Polarella has a zygotic life history, wherein it alternates between a motile vegetative phase and a non-motile spiny cyst. While it is thought that the cysts of Polarella have lost their ability to form fossils, the cyst life cycle stage has acted as link to extinct members of the Suessiaceae family.
Karlodinium is a genus of athecate dinoflagellates that lives worldwide. They are often toxin producing, and compared to the other members of the Kareniaceae, are fairly small at <8-15 µm diameter. They are also able to form intense algal blooms. This species relies of photosynthesis and phagotrphy to grow.
Ornithocercus is a genus of planktonic dinoflagellate that is known for its complex morphology that features considerable lists growing from its thecal plates, giving an attractive appearance. Discovered in 1883, this genus has a small number of species currently categorized but is widespread in tropical and sub-tropical oceans. The genus is marked by exosymbiotic bacteria gardens under its lists, the inter-organismal dynamics of which are a current field of research. As they reside only in warm water, the genus has been used as a proxy for climate change and has potential to be an indicator species for environmental change if found in novel environments.
Gambierdiscus belizeanus is a species of dinoflagellate, first found in Belize.
Gambierdiscus pacificus is a species of toxic dinoflagellate. It is 67–77 μm long and 60–76 μm wide dorsoventrally and its surface is smooth. It is identified by a four-sided apical pore plate surrounded by 30 round pores. Its first plate occupies 20% of the width of the hypotheca.
Gambierdiscus australes is a species of toxic dinoflagellate. It is 76–93 μm long and 65–85 μm wide dorsoventrally and its surface is smooth. It is identified by a broad ellipsoid apical pore plate surrounded by 31 round pores. Its first plate occupies 30% of the width of the hypotheca.
Gambierdiscus polynesiensis is a species of toxic dinoflagellate. It is 68–85 μm long and 64–75 μm wide dorsoventrally and its surface is smooth. It is identified by a large triangular apical pore plate, a narrow fish-hook opening surrounded by 38 round pores, and a large, broad posterior intercalary plate. Its first plate occupies 60% of the width of the hypotheca.
Takayama tasmanica is a species of dinoflagellates with sigmoid apical grooves first found in Tasmanian and South African waters. It contains fucoxanthin and its derivatives as its main accessory pigments.
Takayama helix is a species of dinoflagellates with sigmoid apical grooves first found in Tasmanian and South African waters. It contains fucoxanthin and its derivatives as its main accessory pigments.
Karenia papilionacea is a species from the genus Karenia, which are dinoflagellates. It was first discovered in New Zealand.
Karenia selliformis is a species from the genus Karenia, which are dinoflagellates. It was first discovered in New Zealand. Karenia selliformis produces the highly toxic gymnodimine, and as such is a potentially harmful ocean dweller. Gymnodimine is a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor-blocking phycotoxin, a source of shellfish poisoning.
Karenia bicuneiformis, also known as Karenia bidigitata is a microbial species from the genus Karenia, which are dinoflagellates. It was first discovered in New Zealand.
Takayama tuberculata is a species of unarmored dinoflagellates from the genus Takayama, being closely related to T. tasmanica. It was first isolated from the Australian region of the Southern Ocean, just north of the polar front. It is medium-sized and is characterized by its long ovoid cell shape and rather long apical groove. It is considered potentially ichthyotoxic.
Karlodinium antarcticum is a species of unarmored dinoflagellates from the genus Karlodinium. It was first isolated from the Australian region of the Southern Ocean, near the polar front. It is medium-sized and is characterized by its long ovoid cell shape and rather long apical groove. It is considered potentially ichthyotoxic.
Karlodinium ballantinum is a species of unarmored dinoflagellates from the genus Karlodinium. It was first isolated from the Australian region of the Southern Ocean. It is small-sized and is characterized by its very short apical groove. It is considered potentially ichthyotoxic.
Karlodinium corrugatum is a species of unarmored dinoflagellates from the genus Karlodinium. It was first isolated from the Australian region of the Southern Ocean, just south of the polar front. It is small-sized and is characterized by having distinctive striations on the epicone surface which are parallel, and a distinctively shaped and placed ventral pore. It is considered potentially ichthyotoxic.
Ceratocorys is a genus of photosynthetic free-living marine dinoflagellates first described in 1883 by Friedrich Stein. Currently consisting of 12 species, this genus is typically found at the water surface in tropical and subtropical ocean regions, and has both low nutrient requirements and salinity sensitivity. All species in the genus have a theca; 29 membrane-bound armored plates with anywhere from 2 to 6 spines protruding from the cell. They reproduce through binary fission at temperatures above 20 °C during asexual reproduction and whether or not they have sexual reproduction is not known. Due to its bioluminescent capabilities, the type species of this genus, Ceratocorys horrida, has many practical applications. Its bioluminescent response to water flow means it can act as a model organism for understanding planktonic reaction to water movement. It is also sensitive to environmental molecules; by measuring the bioluminescent response it can be used in rapid toxicity tests to detect the levels of different contaminants in water systems. Its presence is also an indicator of different oceanic phenomena like upwellings or tropical waters.
Coolia is a marine dinoflagellate genus in the family Ostreopsidaceae. It was first described by Meunier in 1919. There are currently seven identified species distributed globally in tropical and temperate coastal waters. Coolia is a benthic or epiphytic type dinoflagellate: it can be found adhered to sediment or other organisms but it is not limited to these substrates. It can also be found in a freely motile form in the water column. The life cycle of Coolia involves an asexual stage where the cell divides by binary fission and a sexual stage where cysts are produced. Some of the species, for example, Coolia tropicalis and Coolia malayensis, produce toxins that can potentially cause shellfish poisoning in humans.
Karlodinium armiger is a species of dinoflagellates belonging to the family Kareniaceae. It was first isolated from the Mediterranean sea & described in 2006.
