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protoceratium

 

 

Genus: Protoceratium | Dinoflagellate

toxin

Common West Coast species: P. reticulatum

Order: Gonyaulacales

Family: Gonyaulacaceae

Description: Polyhedral-shaped cell with prominant reticulations that can obscure underlying plates. Forms cysts.

Cell Size: Length 25-55um, Width 25-45um

Distribution: Neritic, estuarine. Cold temperate to subtropical waters.

Synonym: Protoceratium reticulatum = Gonyaulax grindleyi

Interesting Facts: Protoceratium can produce yessotoxin.
This Phytoplankton Identification page is affiliated with CeNCOOS and HABMAP, and is maintained by the Kudela Lab at the University of California Santa Cruz. Details about site history, funding, and sources of information and images can be found here.