Dinophysis acuta, 75µm by 35µm

are a species of dinoflagellate which are widely distributed but commonly found in cold and temperate neritic waters (Ehrenberg, 1839). “Dinoflagellate” means “whirling flagella”, although Dinoflagellates actually have two flagella that can be used to turn and provide forward movement. Dinoflagellates typically have cellulose plates that form a kind of “armor” for the cell, although this armor may be lacking or shed. D. acuta also have a little wing attached to their side which can be used for swimming. Dinophysis cells occur in 2 clearly distinguished sizes, and reproduce IMG_6526asexually, but the details of their reproduction still require further research (MacKenzie 2004). Many dinoflagellates including D. acuta produce lipophilic toxins that are a threat to shellfish, mussels, and other creatures harvested by humans (Reguera 2006). The effect of this toxin is known as diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP), which can cause gastrointestinal illness with possible neurological effects resulting in diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain (Ramsdell 2012). There have been no fatalities, but Dinophysis species are actively monitored in many places for this reason (Ramsdell 2012).

Sources

  • Ehrenber, Christian, (1839). Retrieved November 20, 2015 from: http://botany.si.edu/references/dinoflag/Taxa/Dacuta.htm
  • Reguera, L. Escalera, S. Gonzalez-Gil, G. Pizarro, L. Velo, J.M. Franco. What we know and what we do not know about Dinophysis, (2006).Retrieved November 20, 2015 from: https://www.pices.int/publications/presentations/PICES_15/Ann15_W4/W4_Reguera.pdf
  • Ramsdell, John. Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research, 2012-2013 Annual Research Report (2013), page 6, retrieved November 20, 2015 from: http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/about/docs/CCEHBR_annual_report.pdf
  • MacKenzie, Lincoln. Journal of Phycology, Volume 28, Issue 3, pages 399-406, (June 1992).
  • (2013, June 20). New World Encyclopedia, retrieved 23:38, November 20, 2015 from: http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/p/index.php?title=Copepod&oldid=970131.