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Genus: Noctiluca | Dinoflagellate Species: N. scintillans Order: Noctiluciphyceae Family: Noctilucaceae
Click on the illustration to enlarge Description: Large unarmored, round or kidney shaped cells with a striated tentacle, one flagellum and a eukaryotic nucleus. Cytoplasm may contain photosynthetic symbionts and gametes are gymnodinoid. Phagotrophic with food vacuoles containing prey. Chloroplasts absent. Cell Size: Diameter 200-2,000um Distribution: Cosmopolitan, neritic, cold, and warm waters. Interesting Facts: Bioluminescent except in the NE Pacific. Reported to produce ammonium during large blooms (orange-red), which may be toxic to fish. Below: A large nocliluca bloom in Monterey Bay, California, May 2011. For more information, click here. Click on the photo to enlarge. ---------- |
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