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Genus: Dinophysis | Dinoflagellate
Common West Coast species: D. acuminata, D. fortii, D. tripos, D. rotundata, D. caudata Order: Dinophysiales Family: Dinophysiaceae
Click on illustration to enlarge Description: Armored, laterally flattened, oval-shaped cells with small flat or rounded epitheca. Hypotheca is usually about ¾ of the cell length. Wide girdle bounded by lists. Chloroplasts present or absent. Cell Size: Width 30-60um, Length 20-100um Distribution: Widespread throughout the world's oceans - can be oceanic, planktonic, benthic, or neritic. Interesting Facts: Some species produce okadaic acid and dinophysistoxins, which cause diarrhetic shellfish poisoning.
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