Genus: Gonyaulax | Dinoflagellate
![toxin](../images_AM/toxin_logo_click.jpg)
Common West Coast species: G. spinifera, G. polyedra
Order: Gonyaulacales
Family: Gonyaulacaceae
![gonyaulax](../images_AM/Illustrations_Dino/small_images/GonyaulaxSpinifera300_sm.jpg)
Click on illustration to enlarge
Description: Armored, ovoid to fusiform cells with chloroplasts. Some species form benthic cysts. Distinguished by descending cingulum up to 6x girdle width.
Cell Size: Width 25-140um
Distribution: Widespread throughout the world's oceans.
Synonym: Gonyaulax polyedra = Lingulodinium polyedra
Interesting fact: Gonyaulax spinifera can produce toxins. |